On the past weekend, May 17–18, the Institute BIOR participated in the Rimi Riga Marathon to join the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raising public awareness about the responsible use of dietary supplements.

The BIOR team ran in specially designed T-shirts bearing the slogan: “Health is not in a capsule. It’s in your choices!”, encouraging people to prioritize sustainable habits for maintaining health.

The marathon marked the launch of the Safe2Eat information campaign in Latvia, organized by EFSA and the scientific institute BIOR. The campaign, now in its fifth year across Europe, aims to promote consumer confidence in the safety of food within the European Union (EU).
This year in Latvia, the campaign highlights five key topics: food hygiene and storage, food additives, health claims, labeling, and dietary supplements.

The use of dietary supplements is becoming increasingly popular in Latvia.
In a 2020 study conducted by the scientific institute BIOR on salt and iodine consumption among Latvian adults, 85% of respondents stated they had used a dietary supplement in the past year. People often take not only vitamins or minerals but also supplements containing various herbs, whose health effects are still being studied.

Inese Siksna, Head of the Risk Assessment and Epidemiology Department at the BIOR Institute and a nutrition specialist, emphasizes:

“First and foremost, one should focus on a balanced and varied diet, and only then consider dietary supplements as a possible addition. Health should primarily be maintained through healthy eating and regular physical activity. Dietary supplements are not medicines – they do not cure diseases!”

This year, the campaign draws attention to the importance of making conscious and responsible decisions regarding dietary supplements – not relying on advertising claims that promise healing effects or instant results, as such claims are often misleading.
In the European Union, health claims about products and nutrients are compiled in a claims register, and in order to use a health claim, a product must meet specific criteria that have been scientifically evaluated and validated.

Before purchasing or using a supplement, it is advisable to consult a doctor, pharmacist, or nutrition specialist.
A professional can assess whether supplement use is necessary and recommend the most suitable product and its appropriate dosage. Particular caution is needed for individuals with chronic illnesses or those taking medications, as dietary supplements can interact with drugs.

Key points to remember:

• Dietary supplements should be used according to the instructions on the packaging – follow the recommended daily dose, expiry date, and storage conditions.
• Be especially cautious if using multiple supplements at the same time – for example, vitamin D is often found in various products, increasing the risk of excessive intake, which can harm health.
• Excessive use can be harmful – a higher dose does not mean a stronger effect.
• Before purchasing, it’s advisable to check whether the product is registered in the dietary supplement register.
• The safest option is to buy supplements from pharmacies or other official retail outlets – they should not be bought from social media sellers, acquaintances, or unfamiliar foreign websites.

The Safe2Eat campaign is part of a joint Europe-wide initiative to raise awareness about EU food safety and the importance of individual choices in maintaining health.

More information is available on the campaign website: www.efsa.europa.eu/lv/safe2eat