Food supplements: between awareness and false myths

In Italy, dietary supplements have become a part of everyday life. Vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and immune-boosting supplements are the most popular supplements marketed and sold by companies that generate over €4 billion in sales in our country. According to a recent survey conducted by Integratori & Salute—the association representing the sector within the Italian Food Union—over 30 million Italians regularly use them. Specifically, more than 7 in 10 Italians (73%) have taken at least one supplement in the past year. Of these, 40% chose just one type of product, while 33% combined two or more. Those who use them most frequently are women and adults between the ages of 35 and 54. This trend is accompanied by greater awareness: more and more people are taking care of themselves and seeking a healthier lifestyle. Awareness is also growing. According to research by Future Concept Lab, a strategic research and consulting institute, nearly 8 in 10 Italians (77.7%) have a correct understanding of what supplements really are. Many people consider them a valuable tool for addressing minor deficiencies, maintaining their well-being, and complementing a less-than-balanced diet. Yet, some uncertainty persists: 35.5% continue to believe they have similar effects to pharmaceuticals. This figure clearly demonstrates the need for clarity and guidance on how to use them consciously.

What are supplements?

Supplements are not drugs; they cannot replace a healthy, balanced diet and can be purchased without a prescription. Yet, there is still some confusion about these very aspects. This is where doctors and pharmacists become crucial: they are the main points of contact for those who purchase these products. 48.4% of Italians rely on their doctor's advice, 36.3% on their pharmacist's. To help clarify the situation, Integratori & Salute has developed a handbook designed specifically to distinguish truths from myths. Some key points? Supplements are not substitutes for a balanced diet, but they can be useful at specific times in life—such as during pregnancy, with advancing age, or during periods of intense physical activity. It's always important to read the label carefully, follow the recommended doses, and, above all, not improvise: even if they are readily available, they should be used with common sense.

Integration yes, but conscious

With the aging population, fast-paced lifestyles, and often unbalanced eating habits, it can become more difficult to provide our bodies with everything they need. And it's precisely in these situations that supplements, increasingly supported by scientific studies validating their effectiveness, can prove to be a valuable ally. "All these aspects of modern life increase the need for specific nutrients. However, it's crucial that consumers are able to choose between various supplements, which are not all the same," explains Franca Marangoni, Head of Research at the Nutrition Foundation of Italy. "Quality, safety, bioavailability, and dosage are crucial. It's important to know how to read labels and choose reliable products. We also know that a balanced diet can help maintain cognitive health, thanks to nutrients like magnesium, iron, B vitamins, and Omega-3. Supplementation is especially useful for the elderly, who are often deficient. And today, there's also interest in the role of the microbiota and so-called psychobiotics, probiotics that can positively influence mental well-being."