Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last updated on: July 26, 2024

FAQ – Dietary Supplements, Herbs, and Natural Health Boosters

Reliable information. Responsible approach. Common sense first.

✅ What are dietary supplements?

Dietary supplements are food products intended to supplement a normal diet. They can contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and other nutritional substances. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat diseases. Their purpose is to provide nutrients that may be missing or not consumed in sufficient quantities in a person's diet.

✅ Are supplements necessary?

In most cases – no. A balanced, natural diet and daily physical activity are the foundation of good health. Supplements may be beneficial only in specific situations, such as:

For individuals with confirmed deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D deficiency diagnosed by a doctor).
During periods of increased demand (e.g., pregnancy – but only after consulting a doctor!).
With restrictive elimination diets that might lack certain nutrients.
For seniors who may have difficulty absorbing nutrients.
For athletes with very high nutritional demands, under professional guidance.

✅ How can I use supplements safely?

Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Overdosing can be harmful.
Read labels and ingredients carefully. Not all products are created equal in terms of quality and concentration.
Check the source of purchase. Use only trusted suppliers and reputable brands.
Do not combine multiple preparations without consultation. They can accumulate or interact with each other or with medications.
Do not treat supplements as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Be aware of potential allergens if you have sensitivities.
Store supplements properly as indicated on the label (e.g., away from heat, light, and moisture).

📌 Our supplement descriptions include information on recommended dosages, potential side effects, and interactions – please review them carefully before use.

✅ Do supplements work? What are some sensible uses?

Some supplements have well-documented effects for specific purposes, for example:

Vitamin D: Supports bone health and immunity, especially in cases of deficiency. Sensible use: Supplementation based on blood test results indicating deficiency, particularly in regions with limited sunlight.
Iron: Helps with oxygen transport, crucial for individuals with diagnosed iron-deficiency anemia. Sensible use: Prescribed by a doctor after blood tests confirm anemia.
Probiotics: May support gut health, especially during or after antibiotic therapy, or for specific digestive issues. Sensible use: Specific strains for specific conditions, often recommended by a healthcare provider.
Magnesium: Can help with muscle cramps or fatigue if related to magnesium deficiency. Sensible use: If diet is insufficient or in cases of increased need, e.g., due to intense physical activity or certain medications that deplete magnesium.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA): Support heart and brain health. Sensible use: If dietary intake of fatty fish is low, or as recommended for specific cardiovascular or cognitive support.

In other cases, the effects may be non-specific, a placebo effect, or not confirmed by robust scientific research. Always maintain a critical and sensible approach. The effectiveness of a supplement often depends on individual needs, existing nutrient levels, and overall health.

⚠️ What if I forgot to take my supplement for a few days? Can I take a cumulative dose now?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Taking several days' worth of a supplement (especially fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D, A, E, K, or minerals like iron) at once can be very harmful and lead to toxicity.

Action: Simply resume your normal, planned daily dose. Do not try to "catch up" by taking multiple doses.
If in doubt: Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance specific to your situation and the supplement in question.

Consistency is key with most supplements, but safety comes first.

⚠️ Supplements, pregnancy, and children – what are the rules?

Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children SHOULD NOT use supplements without explicit medical advice from a doctor.

If you are pregnant – do not risk it. Any substance can potentially affect your developing child. Only take supplements prescribed or approved by your healthcare provider. If you are a parent – do not experiment on your child. A varied and balanced diet is the cornerstone of a child's health.

If you are unsure what to do – do not act hastily. ALWAYS ASK YOUR DOCTOR.

✅ Are supplements legal and regulated?

Yes – in the European Union, dietary supplements must meet specific standards and be notified to relevant authorities (e.g., GIS in Poland). In the USA, the FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than for "conventional" foods and drug products. However, it's important to understand that:

They are generally not tested as rigorously as pharmaceutical drugs before marketing.
Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their safety and that label claims are truthful and not misleading, but they often don't need pre-market approval of efficacy.
They cannot be marketed for the purpose of treating, diagnosing, preventing, or curing diseases.

✅ Can I combine supplements with medications?

Not always. This requires extreme caution. Some supplements can interact with medications – they can weaken or strengthen their effects, or cause adverse reactions. Examples include:

St. John's Wort and antidepressants – risk of serotonin syndrome.
Magnesium and certain antibiotics – can impair antibiotic absorption.
Vitamin K and anticoagulant drugs (e.g., warfarin) – can affect blood clotting.
Grapefruit (often found in supplements or consumed as juice) can interact with many medications.

If you take any medication, ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplement.

✅ Can I take several supplements at the same time?

Yes, but sensibly and ideally with professional guidance. A common pitfall is unintentionally exceeding the safe upper limits for certain nutrients by combining multiple products.

Example of a risky approach: Taking a Vitamin D supplement + cod liver oil (rich in Vit D) + a multivitamin (containing Vit D) + an immune complex (also with Vit D) = high risk of Vitamin D overdose.
Example of a more considered approach: After blood tests show low Vitamin D and low ferritin, a doctor recommends specific doses of Vitamin D3 and an iron supplement, taken as advised.

Always check the total intake of each nutrient if you are taking multiple supplements.

✅ Is the information on this website reliable?

The data presented on this Website is synthesized using AI from various selected and reputable sources, aiming for accuracy and comprehensiveness. However, we strongly encourage you to maintain a critical mindset and cross-verify information. You can verify details using the sources we cite (where applicable), through reputable scientific search engines, and most importantly, by consulting with your DOCTOR or a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Each supplement card on this site aims to provide:

Detailed and up-to-date information based on available research.
References to information sources where possible.
Warnings about potential overdoses and interactions.
Dosage recommendations that align with guidelines from authoritative bodies (e.g., EFSA, NIH), where applicable for general information. These are not prescriptions.

✅ What is our philosophy?

Supplementation is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management are paramount.
We do not promote "miracle" cures. Be wary of any product that makes such claims.
We always encourage informed and conscious decisions.
If you have any doubts – consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.

Do you have more questions? That's a good sign. Consult with a specialist, get necessary tests, consult with a specialist again, be healthy, and live long! Take care of yourself wisely. Health starts with choices, not capsules.