Viral Youtube Video on Supplements

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Dear Drs.

This video has been going viral lately in India (was forwarded to me by my mom) and would love your thoughts on it - deleted

The general advise in the video that you should get nutrients from whole foods and avoid supplements unless prescribed by a doctor seems to be in line with the Barbell Medicine suggestions. However, I don’t think the video did a good job of being specific enough about which supplements caused what and why.

Secondly, my parents are vegetarian and don’t consume the amount of recommended protein. Should they supplement with whey, and if so, how to decide which brand is safe? I don’t think Barbell Medicine’s protein is available in India.

Thanks.

2

I don’t think we’d say “avoid supplements” universally, as they can certainly be part of a health promoting dietary pattern and lifestyle. Doctors don’t really prescribe supplements either, save for some relatively rare instances.

As far as protein goes, check this:

3

I look at whey as a food since it has some calories. I know it’s widely considered a supplement. Not every meal has to be a nutrient explosion.