A new study in Bahrain has revealed that most people who take dietary supplements (DS) have limited knowledge about them, with slightly more than one in three relying on health advice from social media.
Health experts are now urging the public to consult qualified professionals before buying or using any pills or potions being pushed by untrained influencers who are being paid to promote products.
Research indicates that the use of dietary supplements (DS) is notably high worldwide, including in the GCC, with vitamins such as D, C, and B-complex, as well as minerals like iron and calcium, taken for a variety of reasons.
“Improper use of dietary supplements can be harmful, particularly due to the misleading information circulating on the Internet and social media,” molecular medicine researcher Dr Rabab Wahab told the GDN.
“The popularity of social media platforms as a source of health and nutrition information has grown significantly, with influencers promoting various products, including DS.”
Dr Wahab’s study, which was released this year, collected data from 240 participants through a self-administered electronic questionnaire. It revealed a high prevalence of DS use at 72 per cent.
“Most purchases were based on recommendations from doctors (53.8pc), followed by social media influencers (36.6pc),” she said, adding that of the users, 57.1pc had poor knowledge about DS and 89.6pc reported no side effects.
“The main reasons for DS use included general well-being (38.8pc) and preventing nutritional deficiencies (15.7pc). Vitamin D (44.6pc), Vitamin C (35pc) and iron (30.8pc) were the most consumed supplements.
Instagram (46.3pc) was the leading platform for DS-related content, yet 86.3pc of users claimed to show no interest in DS promoted by influencers.
Notably, Bahrainis and single participants reported higher DS use than other demographics. “While social media use can be a useful tool for nutrition education, information from influencers may negatively affect DS consumption,” Dr Wahab stated, emphasising that as social media becomes a dominant platform for health-related information, there is a critical need for clear policies regulating posts and advertisements.
“The lack of regulation can lead to misleading or exaggerated health claims, potentially influencing consumer behaviour and posing public health risks.”
She stressed that guidelines are necessary to ensure social media advertisements provide accurate, evidence-based information and are transparently labelled as promotional content, to prevent vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, Awali Hospital clinical dietitian Aldana Alaamer told the GDN that she has noticed a significant shift in patient behaviour, often seeing people taking products they do not need, influenced by social media.
“The influence is strong enough that I now ask about supplements in almost every consultation as people forget to mention them unless I ask,” she said.
The most popular supplements she sees are magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, myo-inositol, collagen powders, probiotics, greens powders, ‘gut health’ mixes, berberine (Nature’s Ozempic) and creatine, especially among men.
“People trust relatability more than accuracy and many do not realise that influences may not have clinical training and often have financial incentives behind their recommendations,” Ms Alaamer said, adding that many of her patients often come with strong beliefs shaped by online narratives.
“Part of my consultation is clarifying what is evidence-based and what is not. Once I explain the science clearly, most patients shift their trust back to professional guidance.”
She also highlighted common symptoms that people often overlook, including bloating, diarrhoea or constipation from magnesium and probiotics; nausea or stomach pain from iron, zinc or berberine; headaches and dizziness from high-dose vitamin D or A; and mood changes or irritability from certain herbal supplements.
“Many people double dose because they think natural means safe, but supplements are biologically active and can be harmful,” she said, noting the lack of strict regulation or dose accuracy.
In her consultations, she reviews patients’ symptoms, diet, lifestyle to identify nutritional gaps, explains what supplements do and whether they suit the patient’s condition and discusses potential risks and side effects.
She also emphasises prioritising sleep and hydration before turning to supplements. “In conclusion, people should consult a doctor before taking any kind of supplement,” said Ms Alaamer.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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