{"id":7713,"date":"2024-07-25T15:37:25","date_gmt":"2024-07-25T19:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/foodservices\/?p=7713"},"modified":"2024-07-25T15:40:56","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T19:40:56","slug":"a-students-guide-to-evaluating-supplements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/foodservices\/2024\/07\/25\/a-students-guide-to-evaluating-supplements\/","title":{"rendered":"A Students Guide to Evaluating Supplements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Author: Sabrina Lundsgaard, Dietetic Practicum Student. Reviewed by Dahlia Abou El Hassan, MScFn, RD, Food Services Registered Dietitian. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From multivitamins to sea moss gel, supplements dominate headlines and represent a billion-dollar industry in Canada. Despite Health Canada's oversight, which registers and evaluates all supplements sold in the nation, numerous supplements receive approval within days based on weak evidence.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplements can be a beneficial part of our routines, yet amidst the overwhelming array of supplement information and poor regulation, how can we discern which ones to take and what brands to trust? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To navigate this complex landscape, it's crucial that we can evaluate supplements critically. By doing so, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions about where to invest our money and what products to include in our routines. Below are four steps to help you evaluate supplements.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What benefit are you trying to derive from supplementation?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The constant barrage of marketing can make it feel necessary to take supplements to achieve good health when that is not the case for many people. Take a moment to consider if there's a specific aspect of your health you wish to improve and whether supplements are necessary to achieve those goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're concerned about micronutrient deficiencies, it might be more practical to assess your overall diet first. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods could provide the benefits you seek. Prioritizing food can also save money, as supplements can be costly and may pose safety concerns, as discussed below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people may be at greater risk for micronutrient deficiencies and may benefit from supplementation. For example... <\/p>\n\n\n\n