Health Supplement Traps for Seniors: 4 Products to Be Wary Of, and How to Protect Yourself

Health Supplement Traps for Seniors: 4 Products to Be Wary Of, and How to Protect YourselfEveryone desires a long and healthy life, especially as we age. Health becomes paramount

Health Supplement Traps for Seniors: 4 Products to Be Wary Of, and How to Protect Yourself

Everyone desires a long and healthy life, especially as we age. Health becomes paramount. However, the plethora of health supplements available on the market has led many seniors into "health traps." Unscrupulous vendors exploit seniors' yearning for well-being, aggressively promoting health supplements, even exaggerating their effects, portraying them as miracle cures for all ailments. So, how can seniors identify these health supplement traps and avoid being duped? This article delves into 4 common "scam" health supplements and provides tips for choosing supplements safely and rationally, assisting seniors in selecting health products wisely.

I. Health Supplements are Not "Miracle Cures" and Cannot Replace Medications

Before diving into specific products, it's crucial to acknowledge that health supplements are not medications and cannot treat diseases. Health foods are intended for supplementing the body's needs with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, promoting well-being. They differ from medications, and cannot replace them in treating diseases.

The government has clearly defined the functions of health supplements, encompassing 24 categories, including "auxiliary blood sugar control" and "vitamin supplementation." Vendors must strictly adhere to these regulations in their advertising. Some vendors may misrepresent "auxiliary memory improvement" as "brain enhancement" or remove the word "auxiliary" from "auxiliary blood lipid control" and "auxiliary blood sugar control," claiming that health supplements can treat chronic diseases. These are illegal practices.

II. Beware of These 4 "Scam" Health Supplements

Many vendors use the guise of "health preservation" to over-promote certain health supplements, packaging them as "miracle cures" to deceive seniors into purchasing. The following 4 supplements are quite common and require cautious consideration:

1. Fish Oil: Exaggerated Benefits, Eating Fish is More Effective

Numerous health supplement companies advertise that fish oil can lower blood pressure, boost immunity, protect the cardiovascular system, and safeguard liver function. Yet, cardiologists point out that the effectiveness of fish oil in reducing cardiovascular disease mortality has not been scientifically proven by any reputable organization. Its benefits might not be as miraculous as advertised. Additionally, consuming fatty, deep-sea fish twice a week, just 112 grams per serving, can achieve the same outcome as fish oil.

Therefore, for cardiovascular health, it's recommended that seniors choose to consume fatty, deep-sea fish instead of blindly opting for fish oil.

2. Cordyceps: Doubtful Effectiveness, Exorbitant Prices

Cordyceps holds a prestigious position in the health preservation circle, once dubbed "soft gold." However, its efficacy has not been scientifically validated by any reputable organization, and public perception remains highly divided. In 2016, the government discontinued the categorization of Cordyceps as a health supplement, signifying that its effectiveness still requires further research.

Therefore, it's advisable for seniors to maintain a rational perspective on Cordyceps, avoiding deception by claims of it being a "miracle cure."

3. Pearl Powder: Primarily Calcium, Exaggerated Whitening and Acne-Removing Effects

The beautiful appearance of pearls has made them prized possessions throughout history. Some vendors promote pearl powder as a whitening and beauty enhancer. However, the primary component of pearls is calcium, accounting for over 90%, while other nutrients are less prominent.

Hence, seniors are advised to avoid excessive claims about pearl powder and choose it rationally.

4. Fo-ti: Prolonged Consumption May Damage the Liver, Hair-Darkening Effects are Questionable

Fo-ti has long been rumored to have hair-darkening properties. However, prolonged consumption of Fo-ti or medications derived from it can potentially damage the liver. The government issued a notice in 2014, urging medical professionals and patients to exercise caution when using Fo-ti or related medications, strictly regulating dosage and duration of use. Patients with liver dysfunction are prohibited from using it.

Therefore, it's recommended that seniors exercise caution when consuming Fo-ti and not blindly trust claims of its hair-darkening effectiveness.

III. Precautions When Purchasing Health Supplements

Having discussed common "scam" health supplements, how can seniors select safe options? Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. Look for the "Blue Hat" Logo

Health supplement packaging typically features a "Blue Hat," signifying that it's a health supplement. Beneath the "Blue Hat" is the national "approval number." When purchasing health supplements, ensure the presence of this "Blue Hat" logo, preventing the purchase of nutritional products or supplements sold by unscrupulous vendors.

2. Focus on Product Functions, Differentiate Between Health Supplements and Medications

Health supplement functions must be aligned with the 24 government-defined categories and cannot be arbitrarily interpreted. For instance, vendors cannot represent "auxiliary memory improvement" as "brain enhancement" or remove the word "auxiliary" from "auxiliary blood lipid control" and "auxiliary blood sugar control" claiming that health supplements can treat chronic diseases.

3. Be Wary of Vendor Hype

Some vendors may boast that their products possess "detoxifying and beautifying" effects, which is scientifically unfounded. Detoxification requires liver and kidney function. If seniors have impaired liver or kidney function, medical intervention with medical devices is necessary, not achievable through health supplements.

Additionally, vendors should not exaggerate the "improve growth and development" function by claiming "heightening" effects.

4. Pay Attention to Product Descriptions, Avoid Falling into Traps

The authenticity of health supplements can also be judged from vendor descriptions. Watch out for the following:

- Rapid Effects: If vendors claim that their products show rapid results, they might be engaging in fraudulent advertising or the product contains illicit pharmaceutical ingredients.

- Treatment of Certain or Multiple Diseases: Health supplements cannot treat diseases, at best they have an ameliorating effect.

- All-Natural Ingredients: All-natural does not equate to non-toxic or necessarily effective; it's a vague term.

5. Consult with a Professional Doctor, Choose Health Supplements Wisely

Seniors experience a decline in bodily functions. Before purchasing health supplements, it's best to consult with a professional doctor to understand their condition and choose suitable supplements.

IV. Conclusion

Seniors yearn for good health, but health supplements are not a panacea. When purchasing them, be vigilant, look for the "Blue Hat" logo, rationally read product instructions, and avoid being swayed by vendor hype. Also, be mindful of potential risks associated with long-term health supplement consumption, consult with a professional doctor regularly, and choose supplements that suit your needs. Only then can you truly achieve the goal of health preservation.

References:

- Huanqiu.com (May 10, 2018). Annual Sales of 400 Billion Yuan! Health Supplements, the Biggest Trap on the Path to Senior Health Preservation...

- Guangming.com (October 11, 2021). Blind Health Preservation is Unwise! The Differences Between Health Foods, Health Supplements, and Medications Are Here!

- Guangming.com (December 14, 2022). Broadcasters Exaggerate the Therapeutic Efficacy of Health Supplements to Scam Consumers

- Guangming.com (October 27, 2023). Adjustments to the Health Food Function Catalog are Significant, Products Can No Longer Claim "Improve Growth and Development," "Promote Lactation," Etc.

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