Nutritional Supplements in Brazil: Use, Regulation and Health Risks

The use of nutritional supplements (NS) in Brazil has become fashionable in recent years, gaining considerable "momentum" in the fitness market. However, the possible complications arising from their use are not entirely clear and the information available for consumers to decide is contradictory and insufficient, jeopardizing health, since there are cases of death associated with the use of NS. Th us, the regulation SN has become a matter of public health. The purpose of this article is to discuss the widespread use of SN, the scientific arguments supporting or condemning its use, the existing regulation and the possible health risks. The method con sisted in reviewing the existent scientific output in Brazil. It concludes for the need for adequate mapping of SN users in Brazil, an extensive and rigorous scientific literature on the effects and risks of SN and effective regulation. The article points out ways to rethink the use of SN and contribute to conscious decisions by the consumer.