The language used to describe dietary supplements plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. A recent webinar focused on dietary supplements sparked a debate after the term “nutraceutical” was used to describe all supplements, potentially leading to misguided expectations. This misapplication of language can create confusion, particularly when it comes to how dietary supplements are regulated and their intended benefits.
The term “nutraceutical” was coined in 1989 by Dr. Stephen DeFelice, combining “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical” to describe foods or food components that offer medical or health benefits. However, despite its widespread use, nutraceutical remains a vague, unregulated term that lacks a clear definition. It is not recognized in regulatory circles, especially by agencies like the FDA, which sees nutraceuticals as drugs if they are intended to treat or prevent diseases. This blurred distinction leads to misinterpretations about what dietary supplements can achieve, often leading to expectations that supplements should function like pharmaceutical drugs.
When terms like “nutraceutical” are used loosely, they can set unrealistic expectations. People may begin to think that dietary supplements should deliver results similar to those of prescription medications, which can result in disappointment when those results do not materialize. The problem is exacerbated when dietary supplements are inaccurately evaluated against the high standards used for drugs, leading to skepticism about their efficacy.
For example, the widely criticized 2013 editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine dismissed the value of vitamins and minerals in preventing chronic diseases, a viewpoint based on clinical studies that aimed to evaluate supplements as though they were drugs. This approach overlooks the true purpose of supplements: to support overall health and wellness, rather than to replace medication. Supplements are not designed to act as a cure for diseases, but they can certainly play a complementary role in health optimization, especially in conjunction with medical treatments.
A more recent example shows how the supplement industry’s potential is being overlooked. In 2022 and 2023, studies from the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) trial revealed that multivitamins could help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of memory loss in older adults. These studies do not suggest that multivitamins are a substitute for drugs, but rather they show how supplements can mitigate age-related cognitive decline and improve quality of life for individuals as they age.
The supplement industry must actively manage expectations, ensuring that consumers understand that supplements are not “magic pills” or “nutraceuticals” but are instead intended to support overall health. Supplements can be an important part of a well-rounded approach to maintaining good health, but they should not be seen as replacements for proper medical treatment or as quick fixes.
Words like “nutraceutical” can mislead both consumers and health professionals, setting unrealistic standards for supplements. It’s essential for the supplement industry to clarify these terms and communicate their true purpose: to enhance general wellness and support long-term health goals. The industry needs to ensure that what we say aligns with what supplements can realistically achieve, thereby fostering a more informed and realistic approach to supplement use.
The industry’s challenge is to break free from the misconception that supplements are miracle solutions. By setting clear expectations and ensuring accurate descriptions, the supplement industry can help consumers make informed decisions and ultimately benefit from these products in a meaningful way.
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