Don't Be Fooled By Natural Label, Supplements Need To Be Consumed Carefully

JAKARTA - In the midst of the increasing trend of a healthy lifestyle, people are now getting closer to taking supplements as a complement to daily nutrition. However, not all labeled "natural" can be consumed carelessly.

Experts warn that a wrong understanding of supplements, especially those claiming to come from natural ingredients, can pose a health risk if it is not accompanied by adequate knowledge.

Alex Teo, Director of Research Development and Scientific Affairs Asia Pacific at Herbalife, emphasized that the public needs to be critical of supplement products circulating in the market. According to him, the trend of using natural ingredients that are increasingly popular in the Asia Pacific region should not rule out aspects of security and effectiveness.

Natural labels are often misinterpreted as a safe guarantee, when in reality this is not the case. Some herbal ingredients can cause side effects or even interact negatively with other drugs," Alex said as quoted by ANTARA.

He stressed that it is important for consumers to fully understand the content of the content, the right dose, and the potential for interaction of supplements with drugs that may be consumed.

Supervision of supplements in Indonesia itself is carried out by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) through a number of important regulations, such as the BPOM Regulation No. 10 of 2024 concerning product tagging and Regulation no. 24 of 2023 concerning product quality and safety standards. This regulation aims to ensure that people receive protection by accessing clear and accurate information about the supplements they consume.

Unfortunately, there are still many myths circulating in the community, for example the assumption that natural products have no side effects, are safe to consume indefinitely, or can replace medical treatment.

Teo gave an example that ingredients such as licorice roots (garten roots), although classified as natural, can cause high blood pressure if consumed excessively. Every material, both natural and synthetic, should be evaluated based on scientific tests and laboratory results," he said.

He also reminded the public not to choose supplements based solely on trends or advertisements, but rather on medical considerations and personal health needs.

"Maintaining health is not enough by following the flow, but it needs a science-based approach and consultation with health workers," he concluded.