Pill Poppin' - Know the Risks of Buying Supplements

If you're a millennial in Australia (aka, old enough to have some cash and some interest in your health), chances are you've dabbled in the world of supplements. Whether it's a protein powder to boost gym gains, a greens powder to make up for a few too many takeaway meals, or a nootropic promising laser-sharp focus, the supplement industry has made sure there's something for everyone. But before you drop another $50 on a trendy new capsule, let's talk about the risks.

The Three Biggest Risks of Supplement Use

While supplements can be beneficial when used correctly, there are some serious pitfalls to consider. These range from health risks to financial wastage, all of which can be avoided with professional guidance. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Health Risks and Toxicity from Overdoing It

Story time: I am a trained health professional. You would assume that would mean I know what I'm doing, right? Wrong. There are have been a few times I have been 'over enthusiastic' with supplements, to ill effect. One good example, is being nauseous every morning for about a week, thinking "oh my, I think I'm pregnant", only to realised I was having too much zinc on an empty stomach. Oops.

More is not always better when it comes to vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Unlike water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C (which the body can excrete in excess), fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K are stored in the body. To a certain extent, even water soluble vitamins can be stored. Taking high doses of ANYTHING can lead to toxicity, which may cause anything from nausea and dizziness to liver damage or kidney failure.

Minerals can also be problematic. Excess iron can cause severe gut distress and organ damage, while too much zinc can deplete copper levels, affecting immune function. Herbal supplements aren’t risk-free either—some can interact with medications, worsen existing health conditions, or have side effects like digestive upset, headaches, or hormonal imbalances. The message again, ANYTHING can be toxic in high or incorrect dosages.

2. Wasting Money on Non-Specific Prescribing

Supplement marketing is strong, and companies know how to push their products. Many people self-prescribe based on trends, social media, or generic recommendations without knowing whether a supplement is actually necessary. This often results in buying unnecessary or low-quality products that do little to improve health.

Many supplements also contain fillers, low bioavailability forms of nutrients, or inadequate dosages, making them essentially useless. Instead of spending money on a cabinet full of bottles, investing in professional guidance ensures you get exactly what your body needs—nothing more, nothing less.

3. Interactions with Medications or Health Conditions

Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Supplements can interact with prescription medications, reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

For example:

• St John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants, the contraceptive pill, and blood pressure medications.

• Fish oil supplements can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding when taken alongside blood-thinning medications.

• High doses of magnesium can cause digestive issues, especially when taken with certain medications for acid reflux.

  
  

Without a proper understanding of these interactions, you could be doing more harm than good.

Why You Should See a Qualified Nutritionist, Herbalist, or Naturopath

When you buy before you know what you really need, the best case scenario might be a waste of money. Not a great best case, right? Worse case? Nausea, vomiting, digestive upset (yes, toilet problems), or liver or kidney toxicity/failure. Not ideal.

Rather than guessing which supplements you need, seeing a trained professional can save you money, protect your health, and ensure you're getting real benefits. I know that $30 supplement seems cheaper than a $200 consult with a professional, but how many $30 supplements will you try and see no benefit from? It adds up over time.

A qualified nutritionist, naturopath, or herbalist can:

• Assess your diet, lifestyle, and health conditions to determine if supplementation is actually necessary.

• Recommend high-quality, practitioner-only supplements that are backed by research and more effective than many over-the-counter brands.

• Guide you on proper dosing to prevent toxicity or deficiencies.

• Identify any potential interactions with medications or health conditions.

• Provide advice on how to get the nutrients you need through whole foods, minimising reliance on supplements.

Supplements can be helpful, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Without proper knowledge, you risk wasting money, overdosing, or experiencing unwanted health effects. If you’re serious about improving your health, skip the guesswork and seek advice from a professional. Your body—and your wallet—will thank you.

Need tailored advice on supplements? Book a consultation with a me and get a plan that actually works for you.