Nutritional supplements can be useful in certain circumstances, but they are not necessary for everyone.
Most people can obtain the nutrients they need from a varied and balanced diet. In some situations, however, a healthcare professional may recommend a specific supplement because of a diagnosed deficiency, dietary restriction, life stage or other individual circumstance. (nhs.uk)
At The Boughton Clinic, we can discuss nutritional supplements as part of a complementary wellbeing consultation. Our approach is focused on your individual circumstances, existing diet and general wellbeing rather than recommending supplements automatically.
We do not use screening as a substitute for clinically validated blood tests or other medical investigations.
Nutritional supplements include products such as vitamins, minerals, certain fatty acids, probiotics and other substances intended to supplement the diet.
They are different from medicines. Food supplements are generally regulated as foods rather than medicines, and they do not undergo the same approval process as licensed medicines for demonstrating efficacy and safety before reaching the market. (SPS – Specialist Pharmacy Service)
“Natural” does not necessarily mean that a product is risk-free. Some supplements can cause side effects, interact with medicines or become harmful when taken in excessive amounts. (SPS – Specialist Pharmacy Service)
For this reason, we believe supplement choices should be considered carefully and in the context of your overall health.
It depends.
A balanced diet is normally the best way to obtain the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Some people may have particular nutritional requirements, however, and there are circumstances where supplementation may be appropriate. (nhs.uk)
Whether a supplement is appropriate can depend on factors such as:
If you think you may have a nutritional deficiency, it is important not to assume that symptoms such as tiredness, poor concentration or changes in wellbeing are necessarily caused by a lack of a particular nutrient.
Many different health conditions can produce similar symptoms, and a healthcare professional may recommend appropriate assessment or testing where necessary.
During a complementary wellbeing consultation, we may discuss your current diet, lifestyle and any supplements you are already taking.
You may wish to bring the supplements you currently use, including their packaging or ingredient information, so that we can discuss them as part of your overall wellbeing.
We can also discuss your general nutritional goals and whether there are areas of your diet that you may wish to review.
Where a supplement is being considered, the decision should take account of the product’s ingredients, dosage, intended use and your individual circumstances.
We do not claim that a particular supplement will treat or cure a medical condition.
The Boughton Clinic may offer bio-energetic wellness screening as part of a complementary consultation.
Bio-energetic screening is not a clinically validated method for diagnosing nutritional deficiencies and should not be used as a replacement for blood tests, dietary assessment by an appropriately qualified professional or other medical investigations.
We therefore do not use screening results as proof that you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
If a nutritional deficiency is suspected, appropriate assessment should be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional. Depending on the circumstances, this may include dietary assessment, clinical assessment or laboratory testing.
Any complementary screening results are discussed only as part of the wider wellbeing consultation.
Some nutrients can be harmful when taken in excessive amounts. For example, excessive vitamin D can cause toxicity, while high doses of certain other vitamins and minerals can also cause adverse effects. (SPS – Specialist Pharmacy Service)
Supplements can also interact with medicines or be unsuitable for people with particular medical conditions.
If you take prescription medication, have a diagnosed medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing for surgery, speak with your GP, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
Do not stop prescribed medication because you have started taking a nutritional supplement.
If you experience an adverse reaction after taking a supplement, stop taking it and seek appropriate medical advice.
If you decide to use a nutritional supplement, it is sensible to consider:
Keeping a list of all supplements you take can also be useful when speaking with your GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professionals.
This is particularly important if you take several supplements or medicines at the same time.
Our aim is not to recommend supplements simply because they are available.
Instead, we provide time to discuss your individual wellbeing, diet and lifestyle and consider whether nutritional support is something you would like to explore.
Where appropriate, this may include discussion of:
Any recommendations are intended as complementary wellbeing support and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a medical condition.
If you have a confirmed nutritional deficiency, we recommend following the advice of the healthcare professional managing your care.
If you are experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms, do not assume that a nutritional deficiency is the cause.
Symptoms such as ongoing tiredness, weight changes, digestive problems, weakness or changes in mood can have many possible causes and may require appropriate medical assessment.
Speak with your GP or another suitably qualified healthcare professional if symptoms persist, worsen or significantly affect your everyday life.
If you have been advised to take a particular supplement because of a diagnosed deficiency or medical condition, follow the treatment plan provided by your healthcare professional.
£115
90-minute consultation
Your appointment may include:
This is a complementary wellbeing service and not a medical nutritional assessment, diagnostic test or substitute for medical care.
We encourage clients to make informed decisions about supplements and to seek appropriate professional advice where a nutritional deficiency or medical condition is suspected.