Are new ways of consuming food supplements effective?

You can’t have missed it: gummies, these small colored gums, are regularly praised by influencers for growing hair, losing weight or improving your complexion and skin.

Along the same lines, some brands of food supplements offer them in the form of capsules, compatible with a famous coffee machine promoted by a famous American actor (What else?). Are these food supplements really effective or is it just a marketing strategy to sell? Will your coffee maker deliver your daily dose of well-being?

Softer legislation and “misleading” claims

Asked about this, Dr. Gérald Kierzek first recalls that ““The legislation on food supplements is much more flexible than that of medicines”.

“While double-blind trials are being imposed, several phases of development for the drugsdietary supplements, such as gummies for example, can claim a health claim, even if only one study demonstrates the presence of an active ingredient.” explains the doctor.

These health claims may, for example, claim to reduce a risk factor – for example, “omega 3 reduces cardiovascular risks” – or a risk of disease, but may not include a therapeutic mention indicating that a particular nutrient prevents or cures a pathology (for example: “calcium prevents osteoporosis”).

“There are deviations concerning these allegations elsewhere” adds Gérald Kierzek. “Those of the “immunity booster” or “detox” type are even misleading, because they are not based on any medical basis.”

An effectiveness that is not proven either

In fact, the effectiveness of food supplements in the form of gummies or capsules has not been proven either.Few clinical studies support their effectiveness.” confirms our expert.

“Under these solutions that rely on naturalness, nothing says that gummies (or other forms) are more effective than capsule supplements. What quantity is really bioavailable? Do the molecules reach their target? These questions currently remain unanswered.”

Gérald Kierzek also warns of the risks of overdoses.Where we used to respect the use of a capsule for example in medicinal form, we tend to be more heavy-handed when the supplement looks like cherry gum. It is important to note that these products are not harmless sweets and that they must be consumed with caution” he rightly recalls.

What are the risks of an overdose?

The risks associated with overdose are numerous, the doctor reminds us. He lists in particular, concerning gummies:

• High sugar content.Gummies often contain a significant amount of sugar, which can contribute to aexcessive consumption in daily life”;
• Controversial sweeteners. “Some gummies may contain sweeteners that are not recommended for health”;
• A risk of sugar addiction.”Regular consumption of gummies may increase the risk of developing sugar addiction”;
• Drug interactions.There is a risk of interaction with certain medications, which can be dangerous”;
• Laxative effects.Gummies may have a laxative effect due to their dietary fiber content, and excessive consumption may lead to digestive upset.“.

“Only the melatoninin sleep-promoting gummies, is recognized by the scientific community for its action on falling asleep” finally underlines Gérald Kierzek.

Before concluding : “It is recommended to consult a health professional before starting a treatment, 1 or 2 times a year maximum, especially if you have a medical history or if you are taking other medications”.