Of course, not all of these fall into the same category:Manycanbe beneficialto include in your day-to-day.

However, other nutrients may be better when attained via consuming whole foods instead.

4 common myths about supplements, according to a registered dietitian

1.

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One of the biggest myths is that all the claims made by supplement companies are backed up by evidence.

Unfortunately, thats just not the case.

That means supplement companies can make all sorts of claims without proving their products actually work, she says.

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By law, they can sell and market their products without scientific backing for their health and medical claims.

Honestly, its hard to know what to believe.

That means it’s crucial that you be careful and do some research, Castro says.

close up of person drinking a green smoothie that may cause their poop to be green

That means you gotta be careful and do some research, Castro says.

Of course, not all supplements are bad or potentially harmful.

However, Castro suggests carefully looking into the products youre buying.

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To be sure youre getting a quality product, look for supplements made by reputable companies.

And if a claim seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Research has also shown the benefits of the entourage effect.

cup of matcha green tea sitting on a wooden ledge

In contrast,beta-carotene supplementsmay increase the risk of heart disease and certain cancers in heavy smokers and drinkers.

This is especially true for the absorption of different types of vitamins and minerals.

Meanwhile, the absorption rate of different supplements depends on the pop in of mineral.

LOS ANGELES - FEB 10: Patrick Schwarzenegger at the White Lotus Season 3 Premiere at Paramount Studios on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA

For example, two popular mineral supplements are calcium and iron, which are better absorbed with certain vitamins.

Calcium requires vitamin D to be properly absorbed, whileiron requires vitamin C, Castro says.

Experts say that getting your nutrients straight from food instead of supplements is the way to go.

Woman drinking a protein meal replacement shake in the kitchen

When is it appropriate to take a supplement?

Supplements can offer several benefits for individuals seeking to address certain health concerns or nutritional deficiencies.

Additionally, supplementation can help meet nutrient intake when obtaining enough from foods alone is challenging.

Of course, its always important to consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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