Key facts
- Two in five frontline NHS staff encounter patients with inaccurate information about dietary supplements at least weekly.
- Misinformation about supplements is so prevalent it consumes significant time during patient consultations.
- The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) warns that belief in unproven dietary regimes and supplements can endanger health and increase cancer risk.
- Some supplements, like turmeric and St John's Wort, can have hidden risks and interact with medications.
- The WCRF is urging for better training and resources for NHS staff to combat health misinformation.
A significant portion of NHS staff are routinely confronted with patients who have been influenced by misinformation about dietary supplements, according to new polling. Two in five frontline health workers report encountering inaccurate or misleading claims about products like turmeric, magnesium, and St John's Wort at least once a week.
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), which commissioned the survey, fears that patients' reliance on unproven dietary regimes and supplements could be putting their health at risk and potentially increasing their risk of cancer. Dr. Philippa Kaye, a GP, noted that patients often bring in information from social media, wellness websites, or newspapers, believing that 'natural' or over-the-counter products are automatically safe, unlike prescribed medicines.
Kaye highlighted that some supplements can have serious side effects, such as liver injury from turmeric or interactions with other medications from St John's Wort. The WCRF's UK director, Steven Greenberg, pointed to dangerous claims circulating online about cancer prevention and cures, which distract from evidence-based lifestyle changes. Sharon Moffat, a cancer patient and campaigner, shared her experience of being inundated with unverified therapy recommendations after her diagnosis, emphasizing how fear can make miracle cure promises tempting.
Oncology dietitian Rachel White also described misinformation as a challenging aspect of her job, as patients may unknowingly cause harm by altering their diet or using supplements. A government spokesperson stressed the importance of consulting qualified health professionals over online information and called on social media platforms to act against misleading health content. The WCRF is advocating for enhanced training and resources for NHS staff to address this growing crisis.