A growing number of Polish pharmacy are turning to dietary supplements as a source of health benefits. This is a fast-growing market that is beginning to draw the attention of government authorities, as they consider ways to tighten ad regulations and control what manufacturers put in these products.
One such product is folic acid (FA), which is often taken to improve folate status among women of childbearing age and other target groups. In this study, we examined FA content in supplements marketed in Poland.
Vitamins
Vitamins are natural organic nutrients that play a crucial role in growth and development, wound healing, immune function, and other biochemical processes. They can be made in the human body from food products or taken as dietary supplements.
In Poland, there is a strong market for folic acid (FA) dietary supplements, which are particularly popular among pregnant women and women of childbearing age. This nutrient is essential to prevent certain complications associated with pregnancy, such as miscarriages and pre-eclampsia.
However, according to the latest research in Poland, daily FA intakes are below the recommended level to reduce the risk of NTDs. This is the main reason why a number of strategies have been proposed to increase the folate intake in Poland, including FA fortification of wheat flour or supplementation with a dietary supplement.
Minerals
In Poland, dietary supplements are one of the hottest health products on the market. But many consumers are naive about their safety and the fact that they don’t undergo the same testing as medicines.
The government has made a concerted effort to educate the public, including setting up an expert task force to offer guidance on safe doses of vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. And it is looking at potential changes to laws on food and nutrition to curb misleading advertising as well as tighten control over what manufacturers can put in these products, and in what quantities.
In the words of Deputy Chairman of the Polish Pharmaceutical Chamber, an industry group: The dietary supplement industry is a huge business in Poland but it needs to be regulated more strictly and more judiciously.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are also known as tisanes, and they are a popular choice for those who want to avoid caffeine. They are made by steeping herbs, flowers, fruits, leaves and stems in hot water.
Herb infused teas are a great alternative for people who prefer a natural, non-caffeinated beverage and often contain a wide range of medicinal benefits. Herbs can be used to help with a number of different ailments, from improving skin condition to improving blood circulation and reducing pain.
Herbal tisanes are also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consume. However, you should talk with your midwife or doctor about how much caffeine is safe for you to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding. Caffeine can cross the placenta and could be harmful to a developing baby.
Omega 3
Omega 3 is one of the most popular supplements in Poland and can be found in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules and effervescent pills. Some brands also offer products containing other vitamins and minerals.
Among them, folic acid (FA) is of particular interest for women of childbearing age. This is because it is a natural anti-cancer agent and can help prevent birth defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
As a result, FA supplements are widely advertised in Poland and sold in pharmacies and food stores. However, their safety can be questioned because they are not regulated in the same way as traditional foods and are difficult to control.
Weight Loss
If you’re looking to lose weight, you should avoid calorie-dense foods like chips, crisps, cookies and sweet drinks. Instead, try sticking to healthy snacks, such as fruit or unsalted rice cakes.
Poland’s dietary supplement market is booming, with 5 billion zloty (EUR1.1 billion) in sales last year. Despite that growth, the country hasn’t taken many steps to regulate supplements more strictly.
Conclusion
For one thing, dietary supplements are not medicines and can’t be sold until they’re registered with Polish health authorities. That’s why the Chief Sanitary Inspector, or GIS, is introducing new rules that will require companies to notify the agency before they put products on the market.
