A STUDY revealed that 9 out of 10 Filipinos take health supplements, but most lack confidence in whether they are making responsible supplement decisions.
The study, released Monday by Herbalife, noted that while more Filipinos are taking proactive choices to improve their well-being through regular exercise, better diet and taking health supplements, one in four Filipinos say they lack confidence in whether they are making responsible supplement decisions.
Dr. Alex Teo, director of Research Development and Scientific Affairs at Herbalife, said that making informed supplement choices involves understanding a product’s ingredient composition, quality, recommended dosage, consumption limits, and possible interactions with other supplements or medications.
The research warned that 51 percent of Filipinos were unaware of the appropriate dosages and upper limits for the supplements they are taking, especially when taking a combination of supplements, and their potential harms.
Without adequate knowledge, consumers may find it difficult to safely and effectively benefit from supplements and their preventive health care efforts, Teo said.
However, despite these gaps, 70 percent of Filipinos are optimistic they will achieve their health goals.
“Many also recognize their role in making responsible health decisions, with 94 percent recognizing the importance of making responsible decisions. The issue, however, is not just for consumers alone, as both supplement providers and consumers have a role to play,” the study noted.
It added that consumers do not have adequate knowledge of how their supplements could interact with their medications.
The study urged consumers to study labels and conduct their own research when considering a health supplement.
“In parallel, consumers need more proactive input from trusted professionals who bring a science-based approach to supplementation,” it said.
Herbalife also urged health care providers to offer clear labeling and transparent communication on the supplements, adding that stronger product quality control is necessary to guide the public.
