The debate over dietary supplements is a divisive one: whilst some regard them as essential for good health, others consider them a needless waste of money.
Particularly in the context of healthy longevity, the question arises: how can traditional recipes be usefully combined with modern micronutrients? And what role do supplements actually play in a holistic approach to health?
Over the course of my 30-year career, I have witnessed how the world of dietary supplements has changed fundamentally. The market is booming – in Germany alone, annual turnover stands at almost 2 billion euros. A third of the population takes supplements daily, whilst two-thirds use them regularly. Yet this commercial success raises legitimate questions: What is scientifically sound? Where does profiteering begin? And how do we integrate traditional knowledge with modern orthomolecular medicine?
The claim that a balanced diet meets all nutritional requirements sounds plausible in theory. In practice, however, the picture is more nuanced. Let’s take vitamin D as an example: around two-thirds of people in Germany have a deficiency in winter that requires supplementation. The effects on bone health, the immune system and mental health have been scientifically proven.
In my private practice, I have been measuring micronutrient levels for decades. The reality is that even in people who eat a balanced diet, we frequently find deficiencies – in vitamin D, B vitamins, iron, iodine, magnesium or omega-3 fatty acids. There are many reasons for this: depleted soils, long transport routes, storage, processing methods and individual absorption problems.
The fundamental principles of orthomolecular medicine comprise three aspects: Firstly, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ensure an adequate supply of essential nutrients through a modern diet. Secondly, biochemical imbalances lead to disease. Thirdly, targeted supplementation to address deficiencies and high-dose therapy with certain substances have both preventative and therapeutic effects.
The criticisms are well known: sceptics dismiss deficiency states as myths, call for more scientific evidence for high-dose therapies and warn against overdoses. These objections are, in part, justified. There are indeed risks of overdose – particularly with fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, which are not simply excreted in the urine. Expert knowledge is required here.
At the same time, clinical practice demonstrates clear evidence of effectiveness. Anaemia caused by a deficiency of B vitamins or iron is not a theoretical construct, but a real health risk with symptoms ranging from fatigue and sleep disturbances to cardiac arrhythmias. In such cases, supplementation is not an option, but a medical necessity.
Orthomolecular medicine utilises various classes of substances. Vitamins The first group comprises the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as the water-soluble B vitamins and vitamin C. Caution is advised with fat-soluble vitamins, as overdoses are possible. Any excess of the water-soluble vitamins is usually excreted without any problems.
Minerals are divided into macrominerals (over 50 mg per kg of body weight), such as calcium and magnesium, and trace elements (under 50 mg per kg of body weight), such as iron, iodine, zinc and selenium. Magnesium, an important mineral for the nervous system, supports enzymatic processes and the nervous system. Magnesium deficiencies are associated with a wide range of symptoms.
Fatty acids, particularly the unsaturated omega fatty acids, have a wide range of health benefits: they relieve pain, reduce inflammation and optimise fat metabolism. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish oil or the Schizochytrium algae, can lower triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol. The recommended daily intake of around one gram of EPA and DHA is rarely achieved through a normal diet.
Amino acids are relevant for people who consume few animal products. The eight essential amino acids must be obtained from food or supplements. I myself take essential amino acids every day, as my predominantly plant-based diet does not provide me with the required amount.
Enzymes help with digestive problems, particularly pancreatic insufficiency. Orthomolecular medicine offers good options for therapeutic support in this area.
Traditional systems from India (Ayurveda) and China (TCM) are made available in Europe in the form of food supplements. In their countries of origin, these preparations are classified as medicines; here, they are herbal food supplements intended to promote health.
Ayurvedic medicinal plants and substances have distinct effects and promote good health. Concentration is key here: in low doses as a dietary supplement, and in higher concentrations also as a therapeutic agent. Many companies deliberately offer products in lower concentrations. Within the scope of their professional practice, therapists may decide independently to increase the dose and thereby reach a therapeutically effective level. This is legally permissible.
The same applies to indigenous herbal remedies. Many medicinal plants can be used in low concentrations as food supplements. In higher concentrations, they are classified as medicines. There are therefore products containing the same plant that are classified as either food supplements or medicines.
Combining Ayurvedic products with modern orthomolecular medicine is not a contradiction, but a logical progression. For thousands of years, Ayurveda has recognised the concept of Rasayana – substances that promote vitality, longevity and resilience. Modern longevity research provides scientific confirmation for many of these traditional approaches.
In my practice, I systematically combine both approaches. Following a thorough assessment using both modern Western and classical Ayurvedic diagnostic methods, we develop personalised treatment plans. These may include Ayurvedic preparations as well as specific micronutrients.
An example: For thyroid disorders, I use Ayurvedic herbal blends that support the endocrine system. At the same time, I provide targeted supplementation with iodine, selenium and zinc if laboratory results indicate deficiencies. The Ayurvedic preparations have a regulating and holistic effect, whilst the micronutrients address specific biochemical deficiencies. Both approaches complement each other synergistically.
It is important to note that not everyone needs everything. The blanket recommendation that „everyone needs magnesium, everyone needs B vitamins, everyone needs zinc“ runs counter to the Ayurvedic principle of individualisation as well as to the scientific principle of supplementation tailored to individual needs.
A dietary supplement cannot replace a medicine. This clear statement is crucial. In terms of prevention, supplements offer good ways of avoiding the need for medicines. We can use dietary supplements to usefully complement drug therapy and, in many cases, reduce the dose. However, in the case of established conditions – such as heart disease, rheumatic diseases and severe metabolic disorders – the belief that one can treat these conditions with supplements alone is a dangerous fallacy.
The idea of „maximum effect without any side effects“ is wishful thinking. If something really does help and has a certain potency, it can also cause side effects if used incorrectly. By ‘side effects’, I do not mean automatic reactions upon consumption, but rather side effects resulting from incorrect use. If a product contains a certain concentration of active ingredients, we should banish this notion from our minds.
The dietary supplements market has a quality problem. Products are not subject to the same checks as medicines before they are placed on the market. Companies are left to their own devices. This does not always ensure that quality standards are met across the board.
Therapists can increase the recommended dosage, thereby effectively turning the dietary supplement into a therapeutic agent. Independent healthcare professionals have the option of issuing recommendations that exceed the dosage guidelines on the label. This leads to greater efficacy, but also carries risks. The classic principle applies: there is no effect without a side effect.
When choosing dietary supplements, you should take a close look at which companies you are buying them from, or which therapists you trust who specifically recommend certain companies. Working with experienced professionals is crucial here.
Firstly: Tailored to your needs. Don’t just take supplements across the board; look at each case individually. Have you had your lab results checked? Is there a deficiency? What is your diet like? Are you absorbing these nutrients well from your food? If not, how is your digestion? In that case, we need to work on your digestion first, rather than simply popping supplements.
When people are experiencing symptoms – whether physical or mental – the question arises: which dietary supplements might help to alleviate these symptoms? This requires a clear diagnosis and therapeutic expertise.
Secondly: Sensible and moderate. Do not take 20 different products every day throughout the year without any control. Check carefully: which products am I using and when? Certain combinations can interfere with one another and cause interactions. There are also interactions with Western medicines that you should be aware of.
The timing of intake is important: certain supplements should be taken shortly before a meal, as they can only be absorbed when combined with the meal – particularly with fats. Fat-soluble substances are a typical example of this. Other substances should be taken separately from meals, as certain foods can inhibit their absorption – for example, in the case of iron or magnesium.
If we don’t know all this, the saying „It’s all a waste of time; you might as well save your money“ may well be true. Knowledge is essential – whether acquired through your own efforts or with professional guidance.
Thirdly: Professional support. Find a therapist of your choice. Get advice, an examination and a check-up. Work together to decide when a laboratory test is advisable and when it isn’t. Sometimes, based on the overall picture and your lifestyle, we can easily identify where you have increased needs.
Athletes have different needs to people whose work is primarily intellectual. We can take a practical look: what do you use more of? What do you actually need more of? Do we need to investigate, or can we provide support straight away? Then we observe the specific effects: how does it affect you? Are you feeling better? Are certain symptoms easing? If so, we’re on the right track.
The current „Healthy Longevity“ megatrend places a strong emphasis on technical aspects: genetic analysis, stem cell therapies, laboratory tests, hormone replacement therapies, micronutrients, key molecules, intermittent fasting, microbiome regulation, VO₂max and biohacking. The list seems endless.
Unfortunately, this often happens without giving due credit to the original source: Ayurveda. And, sadly, it is accompanied by a growing alienation from human values. In modern times, ageing is viewed in very technical terms; almost everything is measured and „corrected“ as required. Yet there is much more to it than that – namely, a profoundly spiritual experience of transience.
Dietary supplements have their place in a holistic approach to longevity. But they are one component, not the solution. Health is multidimensional – physical, mental, social and spiritual. The Ayurvedic perspective reminds us that true longevity is not just about biological age, but encompasses quality of life, a sense of purpose and inner balance.
Combining traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern micronutrient therapy offers the opportunity to integrate both dimensions: measurable, biochemical optimisation and holistic, constitutional regulation. This is at the heart of integrative Ayurvedic medicine, which I have been advocating since 1998.
Working with an experienced therapist who is familiar with both fields – traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern orthomolecular medicine – is the surest way to develop a sensible supplementation strategy. Multimodal diagnostics, personalised treatment plans and regular follow-up appointments form the basis for lasting success.
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