THE TRUTH ABOUT FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

Very much hit to market these days are the different food supplements who advertises their different therapeutic claims. Making it more popular are the endorsements of entertainment celebrities like Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda, Robin Padilla, Bea Alonzo, Iza Calzado and others. If you will watch these tv commercials, taking these food supplements seem to be a must if you are experiencing such medical conditions. But what do these commercials miss out?

" NO APPROVED THERAPEUTIC CLAIMS " The most important information consumers must know. But for marketing purposes, they may never give emphasis on it in their tv commercials or mention it in their radio ads. What does this line mean? It simply means these supplements cannot cure any sickness. It means it has no proven effects. It needs further study. It needs further clinical tests to support their claims. It is not used as an alternative to medicines. Yes, these food supplements have ingredients that are found to have beneficial effects. Take note: found, not proven.

You might ask, why then that Bureau of Food and Drugs allow these supplements circulate in the country? I myself ask the same. And even in our conventions, the issue has been raised as well. I guess it is because these supplements have "potential" benefits to people and it is not harmful to our health.

But please, for those people who earn just enough, save your money from buying these food supplements. Instead, take multivitamins or vitamins depending on what your body needs. Or, if you have maintenance medicines, stick to them.