Supplements: what’s helpful, what’s hype
Topic: Nutrition
Reading time: 2 min
Supplements can be useful—sometimes. But they can also be expensive, unnecessary, or interact with medications. Here’s a calm way to think about them.
Start with food and a reason
- What problem are you trying to solve? (low energy, bone health, anemia, low appetite?)
- Have you had labs or a clinician recommendation?
- Are there food-based options that are simpler?
Supplements that are often discussed after 60
- Vitamin D (commonly checked, especially for bone health)
- Calcium (usually best from food; supplements can be appropriate for some people)
- B12 (absorption can decline with age; also affected by some medications)
- Omega‑3 (food first; some people use supplements)
Big caution: interactions
Some supplements can affect bleeding risk, blood pressure, blood sugar, or liver metabolism.
Before starting anything new: bring the bottle (or a photo of the label) to your appointment and ask: “Is this safe with my medications and conditions?”
How to shop smarter
- Prefer single-ingredient supplements when possible.
- Be cautious with “proprietary blends.”
- Watch megadoses. “More” is not “better.”
When to stop and call a clinician
- New rash, swelling, breathing trouble
- Heart palpitations, dizziness, or bleeding/bruising
- Stomach pain that doesn’t settle
For medication safety, see Medication Review.
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics.