Food supplements have been defined since 2002 by the Food Supplements Framework Directive as “foodstuffs the purpose of which is to supplement a normal diet and which constitute a concentrated source of nutrients and other substances having a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination. They are therefore not drugs, any more than alternatives to drugs prescribed by a doctor or dispensed by a pharmacist. In other words, the food supplements do not exert a therapeutic action and are not intended to prevent or cure a disease. They can only alter the course of a disease if it is caused by a deficiency, such as scurvy (due to a lack of vitamin C intake), a disease once common among sailors who spent long periods at sea without consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamins, probiotics, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, fatty acids, or other plant extracts, the legislation also specifies that food supplements must be “marketed in the form of doses, namely presentation forms such as capsules, lozenges , tablets, pills and other similar forms, as well as sachets of powder, ampoules of liquid, bottles fitted with a dropper and other similar forms of liquid or powdered preparations, intended to be taken in units measured in small quantities”.
What do dietary supplements contain?
the organic food supplement may contain nutrients (vitamins and minerals), plants (with the exception of plants intended exclusively for therapeutic use, i.e. used solely for the manufacture of medicinal products, such as holly, senna or ephedra), substances for nutritional or physiological purposes (cysteine, taurine, fatty acids, melatonin, caffeine), traditional ingredients (royal jelly, vegetable charcoal), additives, flavorings and technological aids (additive support) whose use is authorized for human consumption. Chemicals used as sources of vitamins and minerals in the manufacture of dietary supplements must be safe. The fibers, amino acids and plants incorporated must be authorized by the Minister responsible for consumption, after consulting the French Agency for Health Safety for Food, Work and the Environment (ANSES).
What are their main indications?
“Food supplements are useful in compensating for nutritional deficiencies, in maintaining tone, helping to slimmingthe reinforcement of the immune defences, the beauty of hair and nailsgenito-urinary comfort, digestive comfort, improvement of sleep and stress factor, blood circulation, treatment of undesirable effects of menopause, preparation of the skin before sun exposure, and pregnancy. » Pr Marie-Paule Vasson, from the National Institute of Agronomic Research (Inra) and the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand.
Not to be confused with nutritional supplements
Nutritional supplements (CNO) are food preparations manufactured by nutrition laboratories, and are subject to medical prescription. Belonging to the category of dietary foods used for special medical purposes (ADDFMS), they are most often intended for patients with cancer and showing signs of malnutrition, one of the frequent complications of digestive cancers (mouth, throat, esophagus …).
Are they effective?
“Unlike drugs that are part of a concept of benefit / risk, food supplements do not have to prove their effectiveness,” explains Christelle Chapteuil, vice-president of the National Union of Food Supplements (Synadiet). On the other hand, any claim displayed on the packaging must be justified: for example, a statement establishing a link between vitamin C and fatigue must have been scientifically proven. Many laboratories have carried out or are carrying out clinical studies to prove the effectiveness of their products and thus be able to claim these effects, when they are proven, on the packaging of their products.
Is the effectiveness of food supplements validated?
A food supplement can claim an action on the body (via a health claim) if it contains components…
– Whose effectiveness has been scientifically assessed: vitamins, mineralssubstance;
– Whose effect has been listed in official reference documents: plants;
– Which benefit from officially recognized clinical evidence.
Clearly, a food supplement cannot claim a benefit if it is not proven.
Topsanté service:
NEW ! Find a doctor near you with our geolocated address book!
