According to a press release from Apotek Hjärtat, a new Swedish study shows that 36 percent take dietary supplements to prevent illness or poor health, while 33 percent do so to get more energy.
A further 21 percent take supplements because they believe they are deficient in vitamins or other nutrients.
The study is based on 4,213 interviews with Swedes aged between 18 and 84.
Unaware of the risks
At the same time, the study shows that 21 percent of those who use dietary supplements do not believe there are any risks associated with taking them. Eight percent have at some point taken more than the recommended dose.
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Only 15 percent know how their dietary supplements interact with medication. According to Apotek Hjärtat, certain types of antibiotics can be affected by iron, magnesium and calcium, among other substances.
According to the pharmacy chain, excessive amounts of substances including iron and the fat-soluble vitamins D and E can have serious consequences.
Vitamin from urine
Apotek Hjärtat has now chosen an unusual method to raise awareness of unnecessary consumption.
Together with a researcher at the Biomedical Centre in Uppsala, the chain collected excess vitamin C excreted in the urine of a group of people.
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The vitamin C was then recycled to make gummies called Vitamin P(ee).
According to Apotek Hjärtat, the project is intended to demonstrate that excess water-soluble vitamins can end up going straight down the toilet.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.