Supplements are not a shortcut to good health but can provide nutrients that may be lacking in an individual’s diet. A supplement should have a clear purpose, a known dose and a credible source.
Elias Muhoozi Serugo’s decision to rethink his diet was prompted by his parents’ experience with hypertension.
During his early career at GNLD, a company specialising in nutritional food supplements, his parents were diagnosed with hypertension. The experience prompted him to examine the link between diet, lifestyle and diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
Muhoozi began paying closer attention to his intake of sugars, salt and refined carbohydrates. Over time, he adjusted his diet as part of an effort to reduce his risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
His interest in nutrition deepened when health professionals introduced him to the role of food supplements in addressing nutritional gaps. He became involved in selling supplements and educating consumers about balanced diets and moderation in sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption.
His interest eventually took him to Europe, where he encountered a more developed food-supplement industry and learnt more about how supplements are researched, developed and marketed.
He also observed growing interest in supplements in African pharmacies and supermarkets. However, Muhoozi says this growth has not been matched by enough nutrition-related research on the continent.
‘Unfortunately, here in Africa, research is limited, as most food supplements are based on studies conducted in Europe. I found this very ironic because Africa is richer in raw materials than Europe,’ he says.
He believes more locally driven research is needed to develop products that address African nutritional needs. This led him to establish Oqata Wellness Solution, a company focused on food supplements and nutritional products.
Why use food supplements?
Muhoozi says supplements are not a shortcut to good health but can provide nutrients that may be lacking in an individual’s diet.
He says they should complement a balanced diet rather than replace nutritious foods, medicines or prescribed treatment.
Where a deficiency or specific nutritional need is suspected, he advises consumers to seek professional guidance.
Muhoozi links the growing interest in supplements to changing eating habits, including increased reliance on processed and convenience foods.
He is particularly concerned about excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates such as refined maize flour and white rice.
Carbohydrates remain an important source of energy. However, diets dominated by refined carbohydrates and lacking sufficient fibre, protein and other nutrients can contribute to poor dietary balance and increase the risk of metabolic health problems.
He encourages people to moderate their intake of sugars, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats while eating a wider variety of nutritious foods.
‘Good health should encompass a recommended diet, regular exercise and adequate rest,’ he says.
Dr Dan Ndugwa, a general physician, says supplements can help address nutritional gaps, particularly where people are unable to obtain sufficient nutrients from their diets.
He says the body requires different nutrients in appropriate amounts, which are ideally obtained through a balanced diet.
‘Unfortunately, most people are not giving their bodies this balanced diet, and this has culminated in some diseases because they are eating too much of fats, sugars with a low amount of other nutrients. As a result, the body loses normal functioning, leading to some medical conditions. This is when food supplements come in handy to fill the gap,’ explains Dr Ndugwa.
The World Health Organisation recommends a varied diet containing fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, while limiting excessive free sugars, unhealthy fats and salt.
Who needs supplements?
Not everyone needs food supplements. Dr Ndugwa says they may be useful for people with specific nutritional requirements or those at risk of deficiencies.
Pregnant women, for example, may require folic acid, while some people may need vitamin D, calcium or vitamin B12 depending on their age, diet, health status or ability to absorb nutrients. People following restricted diets may also require specific nutrients.
However, Dr Ndugwa says supplementation should ideally be guided by a qualified health professional because nutritional needs vary from one person to another.
Morris Ssekamate, a Bweyogerere-based nutritionist, advises people to first assess the quality and variety of their diets before using supplements.
Ssekamate says a varied, balanced diet can provide most essential nutrients, while supplements should be used where there is a specific nutritional gap or increased need.
‘Taking a supplement does not automatically make an unhealthy diet healthy. We first need to look at what a person is eating, identify any gaps and determine whether supplementation is actually necessary,’ Ssekamate says.
Use supplements wisely
Taking more supplements does not necessarily mean greater health benefits.
Experts caution against self-prescribing, combining several products containing the same nutrients or exceeding recommended doses. Excessive intake of some vitamins and minerals can cause health problems.
Some supplements can also interact with medicines or may be inappropriate for people with certain medical conditions.
People taking prescription medicines, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses and parents considering supplements for children should seek professional advice before using them.
Red Flags
Be cautious if a product:
Promises to cure several diseases.
Claims to work instantly.
Says you can stop prescribed medicine.
Encourages you to take very large doses.
Has unclear ingredients or dosage information.
Has no clear manufacturer or expiry date.
Is sold mainly through unverified social-media pages.
Claims to be completely ‘risk-free’ because it is natural.
The takeaway: A supplement should have a clear purpose, a known dose and a credible source.