There are a lot of false “facts” about supplements. Unfortunately, the internet is flooded with false information and millions of people have been misled. It’s time to finally sort the fact from the fiction and get to the truth. Keep reading to discover 7 common supplement myths and whether or not they hold true under the microscope.
Myth #1: Natural Means Safe
We like to think of the word natural as signaling safety, but even natural can be dangerous. For example, Butterbur is a popular ingredient for migraine relief, but it contains PA (Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids) that can damage the liver (1). For this reason, our Migranex formula features PA-free Butterbur, meaning that it has been purified to remove the PA and make it safe for consumption. Similarly, Wormwood is often used in anti-parasite formulas, but it contains thujone, a neurotoxic compound that can cause seizures and hallucinations, but Sweet Wormwood does not contain significant amounts of this compound and still targets parasites (2). Can you guess which type of Wormwood we use in Parastrin, our anti-parasite formula? Here’s a hint for you: your health is our priority.
Myth #2: Synthetic Vitamins Aren’t Safe
The truth is that many supplements contain synthetic vitamins, and that’s perfectly okay. Natural and synthetic vitamins can be identical on a chemical level. In fact, a randomized pilot trial found no significant difference in how your body absorbs them (3) Some synthetic vitamins are even recommended. For example, Folic Acid is a synthetic form of Folate (Vitamin B9) that is commonly added to supplements and fortified foods. This form is recommended for women during their child-bearing years to help prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy (4). However, it does bear mentioning that certain individuals with a genetic mutation cannot convert Folic Acid into the active form of folate and would need to take methylated B vitamins for their body to utilize the vitamins.
Myth #3: Supplements Aren’t Regulated
While it’s true that dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs, that doesn’t mean they’re completely unmonitored. The FDA oversees supplement labeling and marketing claims to ensure they aren’t misleading or unsafe, and it can take action against products that violate these standards. Additionally, many reputable supplement companies follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which are third-party certifications that verify the quality and safety of their production processes. Ingredients can also be independently tested for purity and potency, giving consumers added confidence in what they’re taking. So while the system isn’t perfect, there are meaningful safeguards in place that Approved Science and other legitimate supplement brands adhere to.
Myth #4: Results Are Instant
Results that last don’t come fast. If you want an instant fix for your health condition, you’re out of luck. Improving health takes time, effort and consistency. Sure, caffeine pills quickly prevent you from feeling how tired you are, but those don’t actually restore your energy or address the underlying fatigue; they just mask it temporarily. Real energy comes from giving your body what it needs, like B vitamins, which play a key role in cellular metabolism and energy production. But even those don’t work overnight. It takes time for nutrient levels to build up and support your body’s systems, so consistency is key if you want lasting results. If you want real results, you have to give it time and allow the nutrients to build up in your body so that they can work effectively.
Myth #5: You Can’t Have Too Many Vitamins
You do want dosages that are enough to be effective, but there is such a thing as too much. Excessive consumption of anything can be dangerous. Due to the concentrated dosages in supplements, even one extra capsule can have adverse consequences. Something as seemingly harmless as Vitamin D can be stored in your body and lead to calcium buildup, kidney stones, or heart issues (5). Even some water-soluble vitamins, like Vitamin B6, can lead to issues like nerve damage when mega-dosed over time (6). Therefore, before taking any supplements, it’s essential that you consult a qualified healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are within the safe range for all of your vitamins.
Myth #6: Supplements Are Only For Old People
It is true that older adults tend to have a greater need for supplements but they are not the only ones who can benefit from supplements. Are older adults the only people to ever be unhealthy? Adults of all ages can suffer from high cholesterol, hypertension, anemia, fatigue, and other ailments. Additionally, exercise supplements such as Creatine and BCAA are popular with middle-aged and younger adults. There are even supplements to help children meet their vitamin needs. The bottom line is that there many types of supplements that can be helpful for any age.
Myth #7: Supplements Affect Everyone Equally
When it comes to supplements, results will vary because every body is unique. Factors such as diet, age, health conditions, genetics, and any medication you take all play a role in how your body responds to a supplement. Scientific studies and user testimonials can show how likely a supplement is to work, but it cannot guarantee specific results. For example, some individuals take Collagen Powder to support their skin’s appearance, but connective tissue throughout the body contains Collagen and if there is a greater need for collagen in your knee joints, then your body may direct it there and you might not see the same results your friend saw with their facial wrinkles. Alternatively, while Creatine supplements are known to boost hydration and energy in the muscles, if you are getting enough Creatine from your diet, a supplement isn’t going to have much effect.
Conclusion
Supplements are powerful tools for improving your health, when paired with healthy lifestyle choices and patience. Whether they are natural or synthetic, what matters most is that they are manufactured to be safe. This means that they are made in a GMP-certified facility with tested and non-toxic ingredients. Nevertheless, it’s important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplement and to not exceed the recommended dosages. Additionally, keep in mind that results may vary so we recommend choosing supplements that are backed by a money-back guarantee.
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