Dietitian Claudia Vavasour pauses and reflects on something she sees in her practice regularly. "Most women who come and see me are taking 10 or more supplements," she says. "They've spent a fortune." Canterbury-based Vavasour consults with clients around the country, specialising in fertility nutrition, pregnancy and women's health. She can see the attraction of dietary supplements, especially for women at a vulnerable time, such as when grappling with the uncertainties of starting a family.
"Anyone who's having difficulty conceiving wants to do everything they can to optimise their outcome, and I think there's an element of supplements being something that they can control. And if their friend's neighbour took a supplement and it worked for them, then it's worth a shot. That comes with its own set of issues ... but I think you are tapping into that desire, when people are feeling desperate." Sport dietitian Conrad Goodhew is also familiar with this scenario. He's used to seeing clients pulling out multiple bottles of pills and powders.
"I say to them, "You're taking 12 different supplements over the day. What are you trying to prevent here?"" The answers can vary, he says. "Some people might be highly stressed, so they're taking supplements they've heard are really important for stress. People might have ongoing illness, so they're taking supplements they think might help with that. And there are other things they might've heard from friends, family, podcasts or whatever, about this amazing new product.
"The marketing that goes into supplements is massive."
A QUICK FIX
Denne historien er fra November 18-24 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra November 18-24 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.