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I see it all the time. A new client fills out my (admittedly quite lengthy) intake questionnaire, and when I finally get to the supplement section, I’m greeted with a shopping list that could rival Holland & Barrett. When I ask, “Why are you taking these?” the response is usually something like:
“I read that it’s good for XYZ” or “A friend said it would be helpful.”
And I get it. I’ve been there...
In my 20s, I was my own guinea pig, throwing hundreds of pounds at supplements in the hope of fixing my health.
But the truth?
I had no idea what I actually needed. I didn’t know if the supplements were any good, I had no clue about dosages, and I was totally overwhelmed by all the brands, ingredients, and options available. Spoiler alert: most of it was a waste of money.
And now, years later, as a Registered Nutritionist, I see the same thing happening with my clients - except now it’s even worse because social media is flooded with unqualified influencers giving generic supplement advice like it’s gospel.
So let’s set the record straight.
Why Should You Trust a Nutritionist Over an Influencer?
1. Personalised Advice vs. One-Size-Fits-All
What works for one person may be totally useless (or even harmful) for another. I assess my clients' diet, lifestyle, medical history, blood work and functional test results before recommending anything. Influencers? They usually recommend whatever’s trending that month.
2. Supplements Can Interact with Medications
Taking random supplements without checking how they interact with medications can be dangerous. Some can reduce the effectiveness of your meds, while others (like iron or Vitamin D) can be toxic in high doses. This is where a professional can guide you safely.
3. Not All Supplements Are Created Equal
Many cheap supplements contain synthetic nutrients that are poorly absorbed (like Magnesium Oxide - useless). Others are packed with unnecessary fillers, binding agents, and even potential carcinogens like Titanium Dioxide. Influencers rarely talk about this because they’re too busy pushing discount codes.
In fact, when you’re shopping for supplements, it’s important to know exactly what to look for. Here are a few ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of:
Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Sucralose, Aspartame, Acesulfame K) – These can mess with your gut health and spike your blood sugar. Stick with natural sweeteners like stevia or a small amount of organic raw cane/coconut sugar.
Magnesium Oxide – Often found in supplements but poorly absorbed by the body. Go for forms like Magnesium Bisglycinate or Citrate instead.
Titanium Dioxide – This filler has been linked to potential health issues like inflammation. Avoid it wherever you can!
4. They’re Not Properly Regulated
Unlike medications, supplements aren’t held to the same strict regulations. Companies don’t have to adhere to third-party testing, meaning quality can vary wildly from batch to batch. Just because a supplement says it contains a certain dose doesn’t mean it actually does.
5. You’re Probably Wasting Your Money
Let’s be real - supplements aren’t cheap. But if you’re blindly buying them based on a social media post, chances are you’re wasting money on things you don’t need, while potentially missing out on the ones that would actually help.
The Hype Around Protein Powders, Meal Replacements & Greens Powders
It’s not just traditional supplements - protein powders, meal replacements, and greens powders are also heavily promoted by influencers. But here’s the thing:
· Protein powders can be great, but many are loaded with artificial sweeteners (hello, bloating) and low-quality protein sources. Not all are created equal!
· Meal replacements often contain cheap fillers and synthetic nutrients that won’t nourish you properly.
· Greens powders claim to be an easy fix for getting your nutrients, but most are just expensive dehydrated veg with a sprinkle of trendy superfoods. They do NOT replace whole foods!
These products have their place, but they need to be chosen wisely. The wrong one could be doing more harm than good.
My Approach: Food First, Targeted Supplements Second
I’m not anti-supplement. In fact, I recommend them all the time - but only when they’re actually needed. My philosophy is food first, supplements second. A solid diet should be the foundation, and supplements should only be used to fill in the gaps where necessary.
When I work with clients, I focus on medical-grade, high-quality supplements that are backed by science (not marketing budgets). I make sure the form, dosage, and brand are right for that person’s specific needs.
So, What Now?
If you’re currently spending a fortune on supplements and aren’t even sure if they’re doing anything, it might be time for a rethink. Instead of guessing, let’s take a strategic, personalised approach so you’re only taking what your body actually needs.
Feeling overwhelmed by nutrition advice or supplements? Book a free discovery call and let’s get to the bottom of it. No more wasting money, no more blindly following influencer advice - just smart, effective nutrition that actually works for YOU.
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