Online misinformation about health supplements exploits trust and evades scientific scrutiny, posing dangerous consequences Online misinformation about health supplements exploits trust and evades scientific scrutiny, posing dangerous consequences

In this digital age, people believe online resources more than fellow human beings. It’s a common practice during our travel; we unthinkingly follow whatever is told by Google map rather than asking a commoner. Even if a local person gives the correct direction, we look at him with scepticism. For the present generation, Google and WhatsApp are like libraries and teachers. Even in health care, people believe in using Internet sources rather than a physical doctor.

In the age of the internet, access to information has become easy. Individuals can explore a vast array of topics with just a few clicks. However, alongside credible sources and evidence-based research, the online landscape is also rife with misinformation, particularly regarding health supplements. From miracle cures to unverified claims, the spread of misinformation about health supplements poses significant risks to public health and consumer safety. Many people fall into the trap of systematically designed marketing strategies companies employ.

Health supplements, ranging from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts and dietary supplements, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Marketed as natural remedies to improve health, boost immunity and enhance performance, these products often attract consumers seeking quick fixes or alternative treatments for various health conditions.

One of the primary drivers of online misinformation about health supplements is the commercial interests of manufacturers and distributors. Profit-driven motives often precede scientific evidence and consumer safety in an industry valued at billions of dollars globally. Misleading advertisements, exaggerated claims and cherry-picked testimonials are commonly used tactics to promote supplements and exploit consumer vulnerabilities.

The consequences of online misinformation about health supplements can be far-reaching and profound. Individuals misled by false or exaggerated claims may forgo evidence-based treatments, delay seeking medical advice, or experience adverse reactions due to improper use or dosage of supplements. Recent studies have shown significant repercussions for young people who consume dietary supplements that are marketed to reduce body fat or increase muscle mass. Consuming excessive fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, can cause the body to accumulate these vitamins, which can lead to toxicity. Toxic quantities of vitamin A, for instance, can induce symptoms such as lightheadedness, nausea and changes in the skin. In more severe situations, vitamin A poisoning can also cause damage to organs, such as the liver and bone discomfort.

To counter the spread of misinformation about health supplements, it is essential to promote critical thinking skills and scientific literacy among consumers.

Education and awareness campaigns can empower individuals to question and evaluate the credibility of online sources, distinguish between reliable information and pseudoscience and make informed decisions about their health and wellness. People who share misinformation on social media should also be made accountable and dealt with severely. Social media platforms should invest in better content moderation tools, including AI and human moderators, to quickly detect and remove false information.

Furthermore, stringent regulatory measures should be enforced against manufacturers propagating such misinformation. The manufacturers propagating such misinformations should be heavily penalised. The recent Supreme Court ruling against a prominent manufacturer to halt misleading advertisements claiming false cures is a positive step in this direction, but enforcement agencies must ensure proper implementation.

(The writer is an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru; views are personal)