Dietary Supplements: How To Use Them Properly?
Dietary supplements that promise us better energy, stronger hair, or more beautiful skin are becoming increasingly popular. French people consume them more and more. However, these products available online and in many stores such as pharmacies and drugstores are not subject to the same regulations as drugs. Here is a practical guide to help you choose and use them properly.
What is the definition of a dietary supplement?
According to French law, a dietary supplement is not a medication but a food product. Despite their presentation in the form of capsules, tablets or even chewable gummies, these products are neither medicines nor sweets!
A dietary supplement can be defined as a concentrate of nutrients and other substances (such as plants) intended to provide a beneficial nutritional intake.
As their name suggests, dietary supplements should be consumed "in addition to" a balanced diet but cannot replace it.
What is the composition of dietary supplements?
In France, the composition of dietary supplements is regulated by Decree No. 2006-352 of March 20, 2006, which transposes several European directives into French law. Products marketed under this designation can only contain certain ingredients:
• Nutrients or substances with a nutritional purpose such as vitamins and minerals
• Edible plants such as chamomile or rosemary, for example
• Ingredients authorized in human food such as fruits and vegetables
• Additives and flavors authorized in food such as artificial vanilla flavor (ethyl vanillin).
However, substances that have exclusively pharmacological properties are reserved for drugs and cannot be included in the composition of a dietary supplement.
Decree No. 2006-352 also requires companies that sell these types of products to make a market declaration to the DGCCRF.
What are the mandatory labeling requirements on packaging?
Even though the sale of dietary supplements is not as regulated as that of medicines, certain mentions are mandatory on the packaging of these products.
The labeling must provide consumers with the following information:
• the list of ingredients, with the precise name of the nutrients and substances contained in the product
• the recommended daily dose
• warnings regarding exceeding the recommended daily dose, as well as the fact that the consumption of a dietary supplement cannot replace a varied diet
• a warning to keep this product out of reach of children.
Conversely, certain claims are prohibited on the packaging of a dietary supplement. On this type of product, it is possible to mention certain nutritional and health benefits, but it is forbidden to claim to prevent or cure a disease. It is also prohibited to mention the rate or importance of weight loss.
How to properly take dietary supplements?
To choose a dietary supplement wisely, you should always carefully read its composition.
If you have any doubts about a possible interaction of the product with an ongoing treatment, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor. Prior medical advice is also recommended before giving dietary supplements to children and adolescents as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Beware of products presented as miraculous and/or sold on the internet without any guarantee of their composition.
In any case, certain precautions must be taken when taking a dietary supplement because improper use of this type of product is not without risk to health:
• read the instructions for use on the product and do not exceed the recommended daily dose
• never take different dietary supplements at the same time and do not do two treatments at once (one for the skin and one for the hair, for example) as you may risk an overdose
• do not continue the treatment beyond a period of 30 days
Remember that a dietary supplement does not have a therapeutic action and should never be taken instead of medical treatment.
In case of adverse effects, report your symptoms to your doctor or pharmacist! You can also report an adverse effect online at the following website: https://signalement.social-sante.gouv.fr/psig_ihm_utilisateurs/index.html#/accueil
