Presented by Emily Scott
If you visit a grocery store in the United States, you will likely find a supplement section marketed to various consumer needs. Supplements are concentrated nutrients found in the form of powders, capsules, and liquids. The constituents in supplements may include– but are not limited to– vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, enzymes, herbs, and blends of multiple ingredients. In the United States, supplements are not evaluated for safety or effectiveness prior to becoming available to consumers, yet it is known that key vitamins, minerals, and nutritional constituents can result in toxicities when consumed in excess amounts. With this in mind, the supplement industry has grown substantially in the last 20 years. It is expected to almost double in value from the years 2021 to 2028 to an estimated USD 300 billion.1 As the market continues to develop and grow, “Due to the scale of supplement use, it is prudent to investigate whether and to what extent nutrient supplementation has beneficial effects and whether it lowers the risk of developing modern diseases.” … Read MORE