Taking supplements your body doesn't need? UAE doctors warn of health risks

Detailed summary

Medics highlight that one of the biggest misconceptions among fitness enthusiasts is that supplements labelled natural or safe cannot cause harm ...

As temperatures ease and outdoor activities become more practical, residents across the UAE are getting back into their fitness routines, signing up for sporting events and increasing their training intensity.

For many, returning to exercise also means revisiting their nutrition and recovery routines. Protein powders, multivitamins, magnesium and electrolyte supplements are increasingly finding a place in fitness bags, with some residents relying on them to boost stamina, build muscle and replenish nutrients after workouts.

But doctors are urging caution, saying that an active lifestyle alone is not a reason to start taking supplements. Without knowing whether the body is actually deficient in particular nutrients, adding products to a daily routine could do more harm than good.

Healthcare professionals say some residents are choosing supplements based on gym recommendations, advice from friends or social media trends, instead of seeking medical guidance to establish what their bodies need.

Dr Mohamed Elgezouli, Specialist in Family Medicine at Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Hospital in Al Batayeh, Sharjah, said it had become increasingly common for patients to arrive at consultations taking several products simultaneously.

“Many patients come in taking several products at once, such as protein powder, multivitamins, magnesium and electrolytes, usually on the advice of friends, trainers or social media rather than a blood test,” he said.

He added that most people following a balanced diet did not need many of these products, although vitamin D was an important consideration in the UAE. “Vitamin D is the main exception in the UAE, but even that should be confirmed by testing.”

Medics highlight that one of the biggest misconceptions among fitness enthusiasts is that supplements labelled natural or safe cannot cause harm.

Dr Elgezouli cautioned that excessive intake of certain nutrients could have serious consequences, particularly when products are taken over extended periods…

Opening of the article, excerpted from Khaleej Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.