The global supplement market reached $168 billion in 2024, yet many consumers mistakenly treat supplements as medicines, expecting them to cure disease or replace treatment. Legally and scientifically, supplements are not drugs: they require no pre-market approval and must carry a disclaimer that they do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Their real role is to fill nutrient gaps, support normal physiological function, and meet specific population and lifestyle needs—such as vitamin D for deficiency, probiotics for gut health, and magnesium for muscle cramps. They cannot treat disease, replace a balanced diet, or deliver instant results. Industry transparency and consumer education are essential.
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