Supplements played a key role in helping me reclaim my health after getting sick from mould exposure. I don't regret taking them—they supported my body when it was depleted and under serious stress. But here's the truth: they're not a long-term strategy.
I've come to believe that we shouldn't be taking supplements all the time. The body isn't built to be constantly stimulated or micromanaged. Like everything else in nature, it needs cycles—periods of support, followed by space to self-regulate and reset.
At one point, I was taking so many capsules and powders a day, it was overwhelming. My kitchen cupboards looked like a supplement aisle. Eventually, it became clear that what started as a healing tool had turned into a burden. I began questioning: Do I really need this? Is it helping—or just adding more noise to the system?
The Supplement Industry Is Booming—But Not Always Safe
Some supplements can absolutely be beneficial—especially when used short-term or in response to specific deficiencies. Nutrients like magnesium, B12, vitamin D, iron, or omega-3s have strong clinical backing for certain conditions, and targeted supplements can help bridge gaps when dietary intake falls short.
One standout is creatine: well-researched, safe for most people, and backed by decades of studies for improving muscle strength, cognitive performance, and even cellular energy production. It's a great example of a supplement that works—when used appropriately. But they should be used wisely—not endlessly.
The global dietary supplement industry is worth more than US $230 billion, and is projected to surpass US $330 billion by 2030. That's a lot of capsules—and a lot of marketing dollars convincing us we need them.
But many products on the market are:
* Potentially toxic to vital organs like the liver and kidneys, especially with prolonged or high-dose use
* Low quality, using cheap fillers or synthetic forms
* Contaminated with heavy metals, especially in fish oil and plant-based powders
* Lacking in long-term safety data, especially newer formulations or high-dose stacks
* Poorly absorbed by the body, leading to expensive urine rather than real benefits
A recent reminder of this came with the news that Australian brand Blackmores is now facing a class action lawsuit after several consumers suffered neurological damage from vitamin B6 toxicity.
The Long-Term Impact? We Just Don't Know Yet
Research is constantly evolving. Supplements once praised for mood support or stress relief—like Ashwagandha or 5-HTP—are now being re-evaluated. Some newer studies suggest that, for certain individuals, they may blunt emotional responses or dull both highs and lows over time.
One of the most overlooked concerns in the supplement world is this: we simply don't know the long-term impact of many of these compounds, especially when taken in high doses or combined in complex stacks. This is particularly true for cheaper brands, which may:
* Use synthetic or unstable forms of nutrients
* Skip essential testing for contaminants
* Contain undisclosed fillers, preservatives, or interactions
We're dealing with substances that haven't been around long enough—or studied deeply enough—to guarantee safety when used daily, year after year. Just because a supplement is on the shelf doesn't mean it's safe for chronic use.
And when something goes wrong, it's often chalked up to genetics or "mystery illness." But behind the scenes, your liver, kidneys, and gut are doing the hard work of filtering and processing every capsule. Without testing or professional oversight, the accumulated toxic load from subpar supplements can quietly erode your health.
Food First, Supplements Second
Since that intense period of recovery, I've shifted my approach. I now follow a "less is more" philosophy, and I aim to meet my nutritional needs primarily through whole, high-quality food. Seasonal produce, wild fish, pastured meats, organ meats, fermented foods—these form the bedrock of my nutritional strategy.
That said, there are situations where supplements can be a game-changer—but only if they're targeted.
My DNA Methylation Test Changed Everything
One tool that really helped me personalise my approach was DNA methylation testing. My results showed I have genetic variants that affect glutathione production (the body's master antioxidant) and vitamin B12 metabolism.
With that information in hand, I stopped guessing. I now supplement with:
* Liposomal glutathione, in liquid form for better absorption
* Methylated B12 (methylcobalamin), especially during stressful periods or when labs show a dip
What I Look for in a Supplement
When I do take supplements, I'm selective. Here's what matters most:
Third-Party Testing
I only buy from brands that publish Certificates of Analysis (COA), showing:
* No heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium)
* No microbial contaminants (mould, bacteria)
* Verified potency and active ingredient levels
Clean, Bioavailable Forms
* Methylated B vitamins
* Chelated minerals like magnesium glycinate
* Triglyceride-form omega-3s, not ethyl esters
* Powders and liquids—easier to digest, minimal fillers
Manufacturing Integrity
Look for:
* GMP-certified or TGA-listed brands
* Transparent sourcing
* No artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives
What About IV Vitamin Infusions?
IV nutrient therapy is appealing: direct absorption, instant energy boost. I've done them a few times when I'm feeling run down or travelling and experienced immediate benefits from having them.
#### Pros:
* Immediate nutrient delivery, bypasses gut issues
* Useful for acute deficiencies or travel fatigue
#### Cons:
* Expensive (often $200–$500 per drip)
* Short-lived results if lifestyle isn't dialled in
* Risk of overdoing fat-soluble vitamins without regular bloodwork
I don't consider IVs a regular part of my wellness stack—but they can be a tool in the toolbox when needed and under supervision.
Where to start?
* Start with good quality food—it's your foundation.
* Test before you supplement—DNA, micronutrients, gut health.
* Quality over quantity—always.
* Be cautious with trends. Just because a product is popular doesn't mean it's safe—or right for your biology.
Sometimes the most powerful biohack is knowing when to subtract, not add.
💡Key Takeaways
- The body needs cycles of support and rest, not constant supplementation
- Many supplements lack long-term safety data and may cause organ toxicity
- DNA methylation testing can help personalise your supplement approach
- Food should be your foundation—supplements are targeted support tools
- Quality matters: look for third-party testing and clean, bioavailable forms