保健品和藥品的區別

In recent years, "wellness" and "health" have become topics of great interest to many. Besides the increasing popularity of various sports such as yoga, boxing, and fitness, diverse dietary principles have also become a hot topic. Speaking of diet, the rise of health supplements is naturally unavoidable. To maintain health, many people have started the new habit of taking nutritional supplements, hoping to replenish nutrients that are easily lacking in daily life. The most frequently asked question by those new to health supplements is:healthcare productWhat exactly is the difference between health supplements and medicines? Let's take a look at the differences between health supplements and medicines today!

Why do we need health supplements?

From a young age, we learn that nutrition can be obtained from food, and relying on health supplements seems redundant and unnatural. However, is obtaining sufficient nutrition through diet really as easy as it sounds? According to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Health Authority, approximately 501,000 working professionals surveyed had unhealthy eating habits, with 21.61,000 of them reporting irregular eating habits. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2011 showed that Hong Kong has the highest per capita meat consumption in the world, and a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Department of Health several years ago also indicated that 81% of respondents aged 18 to 64 consumed fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, demonstrating that a diet high in meat and low in vegetables is a common dietary habit among the vast majority of Hong Kong people. In addition, the frequent consumption of processed meats is another piece of solid evidence of poor eating habits among Hong Kong people. Not to mention those who are sensitive to different foods or follow special meal plans, obtaining sufficient and balanced nutrition is actually more difficult than we think.

How to distinguish between health supplements and medicines?

While the packaging of health supplements and medicines may bear some resemblance, they are fundamentally different products! The biggest difference lies in the fact that medicines are products intended to "treat diseases," possessing medical efficacy for human ailments. Medicine packaging must indicate that the product is manufactured in accordance with the standards of drug regulatory authorities, and most products undergo numerous clinical trials and studies to ensure safety. The ingredients of medicines are mostly chemically synthesized compounds, and we have all heard that excessive amounts of medicine can become toxic; therefore, medicines should not be taken in large quantities or for extended periods.

Health supplements aim to "maintain health," "prevent illness," and "regulate bodily functions." Their main function is to help supplement the body with nutrients that are insufficiently obtained in daily life. They do not contain any medicinal properties and therefore cannot be used to treat diseases. Health supplements are regulated by food safety and hygiene laws. Their ingredients mostly contain nutrients derived from natural herbs and other ingredients, and their effectiveness requires consistent and long-term use. Because their ingredients are relatively natural, they have fewer side effects. As long as they are used according to the recommended dosage, they are suitable for long-term use to help strengthen the body.

How to choose suitable health supplements

Choosing health supplementsWe strongly recommend purchasing from reputable, well-regarded platforms managed by nutritionists, offering reasonable prices. Gogo Herbs distributes nutritional supplements and health foods that are rigorously selected by registered dietitians. Consumers can contact a dietitian instantly via WhatsApp with any questions to ensure they buy the most suitable supplements. The platform also features a price comparison function, making the prices of the same supplements on various online shopping platforms readily available, helping you make smart and informed purchases.