Supplement Surge raises concerns for Midlife Women
London, UK – A growing number of midlife women are turning to vitamin pills and supplements, fueled by marketing promising solutions to fatigue, stress, and age-related health concerns. However, experts are cautioning against viewing supplements as rapid fixes, highlighting potential risks from unregulated mega-doses and the importance of prioritizing foundational health habits.
The increasing popularity is especially evident in the rise of highly palatable gummy vitamins, which, while potentially encouraging regular intake, can contain meaningful amounts of sugar – “like eating half a packet of fruit pastilles,” according to nutritionist Jenna Ludlam-Raine.This trend comes as more women seek to proactively manage their health during midlife, a period frequently enough marked by hormonal shifts and increased susceptibility to certain conditions. But experts warn that “the more the merrier” isn’t necessarily true, and excessive intake of supplements like iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, and magnesium can be harmful.
Despite the widespread availability of these products, the supplement industry remains largely unregulated. Ludlam-Raine emphasizes the crucial role pharmacists can play,advising women with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications to “always double-check…becuase there might be some sort of interaction.”
Beyond potential interactions and overdoses, experts like dietitian Sophie Pettitt caution against relying on supplements to circumvent deeper lifestyle issues. “It’s frequently enough seen as something that we can take control of now, whereas changing your lifestyle…those are really big things that take time to change.And actually,it’s much easier to say: right,I’m going to buy this supplement…”
Ludlam-raine stresses the importance of focusing on core health pillars: diet,physical activity,stress management,sleep,and social connection. “You need to get the basics right before even considering a supplement,” she says, warning against being swayed by “marketing over evidence.”
