Advice from micronutrient experts – why this is important

Vitamins and similar supplements are popular and often taken regularly. When used correctly, micronutrient supplements – also known as dietary supplements – can support overall health. However, to fully benefit from them, professional advice from a micronutrient expert is recommended. Not every supplement is suitable for everyone. 

Read here why good medical advice is important.

Micronutrient Analysis and Dietary Habits 

A micronutrient expert or therapist can determine whether there is a poor nutrient status or even a deficiency. If you are already well supplied, taking more vitamins and supplements does not necessarily offer additional benefits. 

In many cases, a micronutrient analysis is useful. It can be performed, for example, by your general practitioner. Depending on the micronutrient, different testing methods are required to obtain a meaningful result. For most micronutrients, a blood test is best. Some are ideally measured in whole blood, which includes blood cells, since many minerals are primarily located in these cells. For others, serum – the liquid portion of blood without cells – is sufficient. Certain micronutrients, such as iodine, can also be measured in the urine. 

The test result should be interpreted by an expert, as a low value does not always indicate a true deficiency. For example, zinc levels in the blood can be temporarily lower during infections, as zinc is redistributed in the body. 

Sometimes a simple dietary analysis is enough, so a blood-based micronutrient test may not always be necessary. Some micronutrients can only be measured in the lab with significant effort, making it more practical to base recommendations on dietary habits. What is best in a given situation should be decided by a doctor or therapist.

Dosage and Duration of Use 

To support health in the best possible way, the correct dosage and appropriate duration of intake are essential when taking micronutrients. A micronutrient expert is best equipped to assess this. 

Without professional guidance, there's a risk of taking either too little or, in the worst case, too much of a micronutrient. Overdosing can be particularly problematic with fat-soluble vitamins: when taken in excess, the body stores them in organs, which can sometimes become dangerous – for example, by damaging the liver. The fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins D, E, A, and K. 

How long micronutrients should be taken is individual and also depends on the reason for supplementation. This is why it’s important to consult with a doctor, naturopath, or therapist. In some cases, a few weeks may be sufficient. In others – for instance, when nutrient absorption in the intestine is impaired due to illness – vitamins and other micronutrients may need to be taken regularly or even permanently.

Contraindications and Interactions 

Not every micronutrient is suitable for everyone. In certain life situations, extra caution is needed. For example, pregnant and breastfeeding women should be careful with higher doses of plant extracts, even if they are natural substances. The reason is that there are often too few studies on the safety of extracts and highly concentrated phytochemicals during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Additionally, some micronutrients are only suitable to a limited extent for certain medical conditions. For example, with certain kidney diseases, it’s important to monitor vitamin D and mineral levels. Diseased kidneys may have difficulty excreting micronutrients, which could lead to excessively high blood levels. 

There are also potential interactions with medications. One example is vitamin K and blood thinners: vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. If you are taking certain anticoagulants such as Marcumar®, vitamin K could counteract their effect. A doctor or therapist has the necessary expertise to assess all risks and provide appropriate recommendations.

Conclusion: Expert advice on which supplements are useful enhances effectiveness 

Micronutrient supplements support health within the framework of micronutrient medicine most effectively when used correctly. That’s why a doctor, naturopath, or therapist is best suited to advise on which supplements are appropriate. They have the necessary expertise to assess the situation properly – because for a positive impact on health, the following points are crucial: 

• Does one need additional micronutrients? A micronutrient analysis or a review of dietary habits can provide clarity. 
• The correct dosage and duration of intake. 
• Is the micronutrient appropriate for the individual case, and are there any interactions with medications?

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