Page 57 - FoodFocusThailand No.235 October 2025

STRATEGIC R & D

Dietary Supplements in Medical
Nutrition Therapy: Help or Harm?
Dietary supplements remain a debated topic.
While some consider them essential for
filling nutritional gaps, others view them as
unnecessary or potentially harmful. Therefore,
understanding their role within Medical
Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is important.
When Do Dietary Supplements
“Help”?
Dietary supplements can be beneficial and
necessary in certain situations, though
they are not necessary for everyone. For
instance, individuals diagnosed with nutrient
deficiencies—such as iron-deficiency anemia—
may be advised by a physician or dietitian to
take iron supplements. Dietary restrictions also
play a significant role. Strict vegetarians or
vegans are at risk of deficiencies in vitamin B12,
calcium, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, as
these nutrients are mainly found in animal
products. Likewise, individuals with specific
food allergies, such as lactose intolerance, ภาพที่่� 2 ตััวอย่่างการวางแผนการบริโภคอาหารโดย่ใช้้หลัักการ MyPlate ของผ้้ใหญ่่อายุ่
may need calcium and vitamin D supplements. 60 ปีี เพศหญ่ิงนำ�าหนัก 55 กิโลักรัม สู้ง 160 เซนตัิเมตัร มีการทำำากิจกรรมขย่ับร่างกาย่
Patients with malabsorption conditions, like (Physical activity) ปีระมาณ 30-60 นาทำีตั่อวัน โดย่แผนทำี�แนะนำาคือ การรับปีระทำาน
celiac disease, or those who have undergone อาหารให้นำ�าหนักตััวเพิ�มข้�นแลัะมีสูุขภาพดี
partial bowel resection, may also require Figure 2 Example meal plan using the MyPlate principle for a 60-year-old female,
supplemental nutrients. Additionally, certain weighing 55 kg and standing 160 cm, with 30–60 minutes of daily physical
life stages increase nutrient requirements, activity. The recommended plan promotes healthy weight gain and improved
making supplementation important. Pregnant health.
and breastfeeding women often need extra ที่่�มา/Source: https://www.myplate.gov/
folate, calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Athletes
engaged in intensive training may require herbal products or newly introduced extracts lack sufficient long-term research
higher levels of protein, vitamins, and specific on their safety and efficacy, which may cause unforeseen negative health
minerals. Patients recovering from illness or effects.
surgery may also need increased protein and
energy to support healing and recovery. The Development of Medical Nutrition Therapy Innovations
in the Future
When Do Dietary Supplements The field of Medical Nutrition Therapy continues to evolve positively, with
“Harm”? increasing integration of other disciplines to strengthen its approach. Current
Improper use of dietary supplements can cause developments include:
more harm than good. One major risk is the • Nutrigenomics: The study of how nutrients influence gene expression
excessive intake of nutrients, especially fat- and how genes affect responses to nutrients. This research can lead to more
soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Because precise and personalized nutrition therapy based on individual genetic profiles
these vitamins accumulate in the body, toxicity (Corella and Ordovas, 2020).
can occur if they are consumed in excess. For • Digital Technology: The use of applications, wearable devices, and
example, excessive vitamin A intake may lead artificial intelligence to track dietary behaviors, provide guidance, and support
to liver and bone problems. Another concern patients. These tools make access to MNT more accessible and effective.
is drug–supplement interactions. Some • Preventive MNT: An approach focusing on disease prevention to reduce
supplements can interfere with medications the long-term burden on healthcare systems.
by either reducing or increasing their effects to • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Close cooperation among physicians,
dangerous levels. For instance, vitamin K may nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians supports holistic and highly effective
decrease the effectiveness of anticoagulants patient care.
such as warfarin, while the herb St. John’s Wort MNT is a vital science with strong potential to enhance the quality of life.
can reduce the efficacy of contraceptives or Understanding and applying its principles go beyond using food solely as a
antidepressants. There are also contamination form of treatment; it represents a valuable long-term investment in health.
risks; some unregulated supplements may Practicing mindful eating and adopting proper dietary care lays the foundation
contain hazardous substances, heavy for a longer, healthier, and higher-quality life. For those seeking a sustainable
metals, or undeclared synthetic compounds. and scientifically supported approach to health care, MNT is an option not to
Furthermore, misleading advertisements and be overlooked.
unrealistic health claims may lead consumers
to rely on supplements instead of appropriate
medical treatment, resulting in unnecessary More Information Service Info C010
expenses and delayed care. Finally, certain
OCT 2025 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 57

25/9/2568 BE 08:52
53-57_Strategic R&D_FIN.indd 57 25/9/2568 BE 08:52
53-57_Strategic R&D_FIN.indd 57