For those who feel tired and listless, it can be easy to explain it as a deficiency. Maybe it's vitamin D, iron or selenium that's missing? But most people don't need to take supplements.
If you eat a varied diet and are healthy, you generally don't need to take vitamins and minerals, says doctor Susanne Rautiainen Lagerström.
Sales are increasing
Despite this, many different supplements are sold. At Apotek Hjärtat, sales of dietary supplements have increased by almost 80 percent in the last four years.
We feel that there is a strong connection to whether a certain topic is popular on social media and if a popular influencer recommends something in particular, then sales increase, says Annika Svedberg, head pharmacist at Apotek Hjärtat.
Right now, magnesium is one of the most popular supplements, according to Annika Svedberg.
Sometimes it may be necessary to take supplements, but we feel that many people are not at all aware of the possible risks of overdosing or how supplements can affect medications.
According to a survey conducted by Verian on behalf of Apotek Hjärtat, 21 percent of those who take dietary supplements do not see any risks in using them. 12 percent of young people between the ages of 18 and 29 who were surveyed also stated that they take higher doses than recommended.
Vitamin D, for example, can have serious consequences such as kidney damage if you take too high a dose, says Annika Svedberg, adding that you can always ask the pharmacist for advice.
Another aspect is that dietary supplements can affect medications. Therefore, it is important to mention to your healthcare provider if you are taking supplements and check that it is okay.
Some groups
Products are often marketed with big promises and messages from popular influencers are widely disseminated. But are they needed?
"I usually say you should think about it. Why do I think I need a supplement? Is it something I've heard or read?" says Susanne Rautiainen Lagerström, physician, nutritionist and researcher at Karolinska Institutet.
For certain groups, supplementation may be necessary. This applies to pregnant women who are recommended to take folic acid, or young children and the elderly, or others who do not get enough vitamin D through sunlight or diet, and women with heavy menstrual bleeding who may need iron supplements.
Then you may have a confirmed deficiency of something and then supplements are needed, but you need to investigate that to know, says Susanne Rautiainen Lagerström.
Despite the many shortcomings in our eating habits, dietary surveys show that most people get enough vitamins and minerals through their regular diet. There are some exceptions.
Vitamin D:
All children up to the age of two. All elderly people over 75 years of age.
Children and adults who do not eat fish and vitamin D-fortified foods.
Children and adults who wear clothing that covers their face, arms and legs or are not out in the sun during the summer.
Folic acid:
Women who may become pregnant.
Vitamin B12:
Vegans, who exclude all animal foods.
Too high doses of vitamins and minerals can be harmful. For some substances, there is a relatively small margin between what is beneficial for the body and what can lead to negative effects. An example of this is vitamin A.
Source: Swedish National Food Agency
