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Dietary supplements and their history over the centuries

They have accompanied mankind for centuries, although their modern form is very different from the first preparations used by our ancestors. Over the years, dietary supplements have evolved, passing through various stages of development – from simple herbal preparations to the high-tech products available on the market today. In this article, we will look at their history, evolution and growing role in the life of modern man.

Antiquity and health straight from nature

The origins of the use of herbs and medicinal plants

Before the first synthetic dietary supplements appeared, people used the benefits of nature. Ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese successfully used herbs and medicinal plants to promote health and treat various ailments. Ancient texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus, contain descriptions of more than 850 medicinal plants used by the Egyptians as early as 1500 BC.

In China, as early as the 3rd millennium BC, a system of traditional medicine was developed based on the use of medicinal plants, acupuncture and other natural treatments. The book ‘Shennong Ben Cao Jing’ from around 200 BC describes more than 360 medicinal plants, many of which are still used in modern supplements.

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The origins of the use of herbs and medicinal plants

Before the first synthetic dietary supplements appeared, people used the benefits of nature. Ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese successfully used herbs and medicinal plants to promote health and treat various ailments. Ancient texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus, contain descriptions of more than 850 medicinal plants used by the Egyptians as early as 1500 BC.

In China, as early as the 3rd millennium BC, a system of traditional medicine was developed based on the use of medicinal plants, acupuncture and other natural treatments. The book ‘Shennong Ben Cao Jing’ from around 200 BC describes more than 360 medicinal plants, many of which are still used in modern supplements.

Greek and Roman approaches to supporting the body

The ancient Greeks, including renowned physicians like Hippocrates, recognised the role of diet in maintaining health and supporting the body. Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, claimed that ‘let food be your medicine and medicine be your food’. His nutritional philosophy was based on the belief that a well-chosen diet could prevent disease and promote health.

The Romans, in turn, developed and used herbs for healing, drawing on knowledge from the Greeks and Egyptians. Galen, one of the most famous physicians of ancient Rome, was the author of many works on pharmacology and herbal medicine, which had a great influence on the later development of supplementation.

Greek and Roman approaches to supporting the body​

The ancient Greeks, including renowned physicians like Hippocrates, recognised the role of diet in maintaining health and supporting the body. Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, claimed that ‘let food be your medicine and medicine be your food’. His nutritional philosophy was based on the belief that a well-chosen diet could prevent disease and promote health.

The Romans, in turn, developed and used herbs for healing, drawing on knowledge from the Greeks and Egyptians. Galen, one of the most famous physicians of ancient Rome, was the author of many works on pharmacology and herbal medicine, which had a great influence on the later development of supplementation.

The Middle Ages and the Renaissance: herbal medicine and the origins of alchemy

Herbal medicine in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, despite the general decline of the natural sciences, herbal medicine still played an important role in the treatment and prevention of disease. In Benedictine monasteries, monks running herb gardens cultivated and developed knowledge of the healing properties of plants. Famous medieval herbariums, such as the ‘Hortus Sanitatis’, were compendia of knowledge about herbs and their use.

Alchemy and its influence on supplementation

The Renaissance brought with it the development of alchemy, which laid the foundations of modern chemistry. Alchemists, in addition to searching for the philosopher’s stone, were also concerned with studying the properties of various substances and creating preparations to promote health. During this period, the first attempts to isolate active substances from plants began to appear, which was a step towards the development of modern supplements.

The industrial revolution and the beginning of the era of modern forms of supplements

Scientific discoveries of the 19th century

The 19th century brought the Industrial Revolution, which had a huge impact on the development of science and medicine. During this period, vitamins and other nutrients began to be identified and isolated. In 1912, the Polish biochemist Kazimierz Funk introduced the term ‘vitamins’, which referred to substances essential for health, the lack of which in the diet could lead to disease. The discovery of vitamins was a milestone in the development of dietary supplements, as it made it possible to create preparations that could supplement deficiencies of these substances in the daily diet.

Development of the pharmaceutical industry

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the pharmaceutical industry began to develop rapidly. In 1933, the first synthetic vitamin preparation, which contained vitamin C, appeared on the market. Soon afterwards, in the 1940s, mass production of vitamins and other dietary supplements began, making them available to a wide range of consumers.

Development of the pharmaceutical industry

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the pharmaceutical industry began to develop rapidly. In 1933, the first synthetic vitamin preparation, which contained vitamin C, appeared on the market. Soon afterwards, in the 1940s, mass production of vitamins and other dietary supplements began, making them available to a wide range of consumers.

Contemporary solutions: from multivitamins to advanced formulas

Development of multivitamins and mineral preparations

The 1960s and 1970s were a period of rapid growth in the dietary supplement market. At that time, popular multivitamins appeared, which aimed to supplement deficiencies of various vitamins and minerals in the diet. With the development of scientific research, formulas became more and more advanced, allowing the creation of products dedicated to different audiences, such as children, the elderly or athletes.

Supplements and sport and fitness

In the 1980s and 1990s, with the growing popularity of sport and fitness, dietary supplements began to play an increasingly important role in the lives of physically active people. Protein preparations, amino acids, creatine and other substances appeared at that time to promote the development of muscle mass, improve performance and speed up recovery after training.

The 21st century: personalisation and new technologies

In the 21st century, the dietary supplement market continues to develop rapidly. Today’s dietary supplements are not only multivitamins, but also products based on modern technologies, such as supplements in liposomal form, probiotics or natural preparations based on adaptogenic plant extracts.

Personalisation of supplementation

One of the key trends of recent years is the personalisation of supplementation. Today’s companies are offering products tailored to individual consumers’ needs, based on the results of genetic testing, lifestyle analysis and dietary preferences. This allows supplements to be more effective and precise in their effects, responding to consumers’ growing expectations in terms of health and wellness.

Challenges and controversies

Regulation and safety

Despite the many advantages of dietary supplements, their use also comes with some challenges. One of these is regulation, which varies from country to country. In the US, they are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), but are not subjected to the same rigorous testing as drugs. In Europe, on the other hand, there are stricter regulations regarding the composition and labelling of packaging.

Regulation and safety

Despite the many advantages of dietary supplements, their use also comes with some challenges. One of these is regulation, which varies from country to country. In the US, they are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), but are not subjected to the same rigorous testing as drugs. In Europe, on the other hand, there are stricter regulations regarding the composition and labelling of packaging.

Overuse and risk of interaction

Many consumers do not realise that some supplements can interact with medicines, which can lead to dangerous side effects. In addition, excessive use of supplements, especially vitamins and minerals, can lead to toxicity.

Differences between supplements and medicines

It is worth understanding that health supplements are different from medicines. Supplements are classified as foods that aim to supplement the diet, whereas medicines are medicinal products that aim to treat diseases. This difference has important implications for product regulation and safety.

Key differences

  • Supplements: Supplement the diet, they do not treat disease.
  • Medicines: Designed to treat and prevent disease.
  • Regulation: Supplements are less strictly regulated than medicines.

Contemporary changes in approach

Trends and future prospects

The future of the dietary supplement market seems promising. As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for high-quality dietary supplements will continue to grow. Developments in technology, such as biotechnology and nanotechnology, are expected to create even more advanced and effective products. Appropriate supplementation also plays a key role in today’s biohacking trend.

The role of education in the informed use of supplements

A key element of the future of dietary supplements will be consumer education. In an age of increasing numbers of products and information available, it is important that consumers are aware of how to use supplements properly and what their actual needs are. Education on healthy lifestyles, proper diet and the right choice of supplements will be key to maintaining health and wellbeing. It is worth remembering that they should not be considered as a substitute for a varied diet, but as a complement to it.

Summary

The history of dietary supplements is long and complex, and their evolution from simple plant preparations to technologically advanced products reflects scientific progress and the changing needs of society. Dietary supplements, which started out as mere dietary supplements, have today become an important element of preventive health care and support for people leading active lifestyles.

Today’s supplements offer a wide range of products, tailored to different consumer needs and expectations. However, as history shows, it is important to use them with caution and based on sound knowledge. Only then can they truly contribute to improving health and quality of life.

History teaches us that while the technologies and ingredients of supplements may be changing, the key element of health remains a balanced diet and an informed approach to one’s body and its needs. In the coming years, education and appropriate regulation will be key to the continued growth of the dietary supplement market and its safe use by consumers worldwide.

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