Dietary supplements: Understanding them correctly to use them effectively.

Dietary supplements are products that help supplement vitamins, minerals, or nutrients that may be lacking in your daily diet. They help the body function better and boost immunity, but they absolutely cannot replace medication.

Authorities crack down on counterfeit dietary supplements - Photo: CQCNCC

Many people think, "Taking supplements will benefit you in some way, if not horizontally, then vertically," so they take them indiscriminately. But that's very dangerous!

Why are counterfeit dietary supplements so rampant?

There are four reasons: Firstly, the profits are enormous; a fake pill made from flour, sugar, and a little cheap Western medicine, but labeled as "imported" or "traditional miracle cure," can be sold at exorbitant prices. Secondly, the explosion of social media and "online doctors" with their enticing "incitements."

The "desperate measures" mentality is prevalent for chronic diseases like diabetes, osteoarthritis, and hypertension, which often require long-term treatment and can sometimes be exhausting with Western medicine.

Finally, there is a loophole in management and control. Although authorities such as the police and the Food Safety Department have been very strict (as in the case in Thanh Hoa ), because functional foods are registered as "food," businesses only need to submit a "declaration of conformity" or "declaration of compliance with food safety regulations" to be approved, rather than going through the rigorous testing process like medicines. Controlling banned substances (such as painkillers and corticosteroids) mixed into functional foods requires complex sample testing that cannot be done with the naked eye.

A treasure right in your own backyard.

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Natural foods are always the best. An orange from the garden not only contains vitamin C but also fiber, water, and all the essence of nature that the body can easily absorb. Eating a fresh fish and a plate of boiled vegetables at home is the safest way to nourish yourself.

The "three don'ts" skill, aimed at protecting both your wallet and your life, is to not believe "miraculous" advertisements. Be wary of anyone claiming a medicine can "completely cure" chronic diseases or that it's a "miracle cure."

Illnesses require a doctor's examination. Do not self-medicate or blindly follow misinformation. Everyone's body is different.

Before taking any medication, consult your doctor to avoid potential drug interactions, which can be dangerous. Do not buy counterfeit products, products sold online, or products without Vietnamese labels or registration numbers from the Ministry of Health . Choose reputable pharmacies to ensure you are buying at the correct price.

Dietary supplements are not bad if used at the right time and as prescribed by a doctor.

Tips for distinguishing between dietary supplements and medications.

To avoid being scammed, remember this rule: "Look at the label, find the number, read the text":

1. Check the label: Imported goods are required to have a Vietnamese supplementary label. Absolutely do not buy goods that only have foreign language labels.

2. Find the number: Look for the text "Number: [Number]/[Year]/Registration". The letters "Registration" indicate that it has been inspected and approved by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health .

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Abbreviation: DKSP (Product Registration). This is the abbreviation for dietary supplements. Simply put, these are health supplements, not medicines.

3. Read the text carefully: Standard dietary supplements must have the following statement: "This product is not a medicine and does not have the effect of replacing medication."

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Uc

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thuc-pham-chuc-nang-can-hieu-dung-de-dung-trung-20260303063218261.htm