Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has warned that excessive intake or use of nutritional supplements, instead of medications prescribed by a physician to treat a medical condition, may cause harm to the person.

The authority emphasized that it is not permissible to market nutritional or dietary supplements for the purpose of treatment, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases. At the same time, it noted that supplements will help in obtaining nutrients that the body needs to maintain its health.

The SFDA advised the public to drink plenty of water when taking nutritional supplements that contain a high percentage of protein. It urged people to immediately stop taking the supplement if there are any accompanying side effects, and consult a specialist doctor. The SFDA also instructed consumers to inform it about such developments through the Tameni application or through the Tayqadh electronic system.

It is prohibited to place therapeutic claims on dietary supplements, such as “reducing high cholesterol” or “treating heart disease. The claims such as “more effective than medications,” “completely safe,” or “has no side effects” should not be circulated. It should also be taken into account that the phrase “natural” does not mean that the product is “safe,” the SFDA clarified.

It is noteworthy that nutritional supplements are meant to complement a healthy diet, not replace it. These are products designed to give consumers nutrients that might be missing from their diet. Fortified foods and dietary supplements may help provide one or more nutrients. They are usually taken as tablets, capsules or powders, or as a liquid drink.