Do you take beauty food supplements? Be careful to respect the doses!

In the form of gummies, chocolate, popcorn, powder or capsules… There are many ways to consume beauty food supplements. The target ? Make them accessible to everyone. Furthermore, up to 22% in adults and 14% in children would be consumedaccording to the National Food Safety Agency (ANSES).

But a study initiated by American researchers and published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, demonstrates that taking large doses of dietary supplements could pose a health risk. The study focuses mainly on the intake of collagen (very popular at the moment) or biotin (which helps fight acne, dry skin, irritation or eczema. It also helps restore health and vigor to hair but also nails).

Excessive consumption can be dangerous

The problem with beauty dietary supplements is that the regulations don’t do it “does not require marketing authorisation” according to the ANSES website. As a result, their regulation is very complicated and their consumption is very often taken lightly. Result? It happens to overdose them (especially when they are incorporated into smoothies, hot drinks or when they are sold in the form of gummies). But that is not all! Some companies may even decide to ignore the recommendations and overdose the active ingredients present in their supplements… And it is precisely this excessive consumption that is dangerous. In a regular and moderate intake, these pose no danger. But the UFC Que Choisir consumer association prefers to remain cautious. You can read about it on his website:

“Even if they look like drugs and if most of the time they are bought in pharmacies, food supplements can still be sold without ever having provided any proof of their effectiveness. Misleading claims and deceptive slogans are commonplace in this market. Whether it’s pills, capsules, sachets of powders and vials of liquids based on vitamins, minerals or plants, the utmost distrust is required with food supplements. »

What exactly are the risks?

Collagen can be contaminated with heavy metals

There are generally two types of collagen sold in the dietary supplement market. Bovine collagen comes from the skin, tendons and bones of the cow (nice). Marine collagen, on the other hand, is extracted from the skin, bones and scales of fish. It is precisely the latter that questions scientists since it could be contaminated with heavy metals. The problem is that some manufacturers sometimes mix the two, which can taint many recipes. According to a study published by theOrganic Consumers Association, out of 28 collagen supplement brands tested, 64% contained arsenic, 37% contained lead, and 34% showed trace amounts of mercury, and 17% tested positive for measurable levels of cadmium… Worrying.

Biotin would skew thyroid and heart test results

Biotin is also one of the most used dietary supplements. Its daily intake should be 0.05 mg, but some supplements contain much more. But what exactly do we risk when we consume too much of this vitamin? This can simply distort the results of heart tests or thyroid tests. An issue not to be taken lightly.

What should be done then?

Sticking to the doses indicated on the package and checking that the product you are about to buy is not overdosed is a first step towards conscious and safe consumption. But that is not all! It is essential to realize that a cure with food supplements is not mandatory and that it is only recommended in the context of a particular pathology or problem.

If you want to start this type of treatment, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice, who can direct you towards food supplements with a verified composition. As the name suggests, food supplements never replace a healthy, varied and balanced diet, but simply complement it if necessary. In the meantime, keep an eye out.

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