Give Health Are Food Supplements Suitable Christmas Presents?

Give away health at Christmas? Experts warn

Surveys have shown that a majority of Germans wish for health at Christmas. Some people also think about giving away something healthy for the party, such as supplements. Who wants to do that, should be well informed in advance. Many of them are often rip-offs.

Dietary supplement for Christmas?

Anyone who wants to give away something healthy to parents and grandparents at Christmas should first inform themselves well. The consumer advice center Bavaria points this out in a communication. Whether dietary supplement with fruit and vegetable extracts, ginkgo or ginseng - the offer is great. So many providers not only promises well-being and vitality.

If you want to give away something healthy for Christmas, you should first inform yourself well. For certain products, such as certain dietary supplements, too much is promised in terms of health. (Photo: Subbotina Anna / fotolia.com)

Often, too much is promised

"Often there is also the impression that the products would help many people with their own age, from knee problems to hair loss and forgetfulness," says Jutta Saumweber from the Bavarian consumer association.

She emphasizes that too much is often promised, especially with regard to health.

This has been shown by various market checks of the consumer centers, which took place within the framework of the information platform www.klartext-nahrungsergaenzung.de.

Health claims

So far, only certain health claims on vitamins and minerals and on a few other substances have been tested and approved.

"This means that many of the advertising promises that relate to herbal substances may still be used at the moment, even though they have not been scientifically tested," says Jutta Saumweber.

Risk of overdose

Consumers should note that, unlike medicines, dietary supplements are not intended to cure and alleviate disease.

"These are foods that provide concentrated nutrients such as vitamins, minerals or phytochemicals in concentrated form," says Jutta Saumweber.

Those who take high-dose products have the risk of overdoses, even if they follow the manufacturer's recommended daily intake.

In addition, one study showed that some dietary supplements, even in conventional doses, pose health risks.

Get medical advice

Interactions with medicinal products can not be ruled out.

"Anyone who is chronically ill or has to take medication on a regular basis should not use supplements without prior medical advice," emphasizes Jutta Saumweber.

Otherwise, a well-meant gift quickly becomes an unpleasant boomerang. (Ad)