Social media claims about dietary supplements such as turmeric, St John’s wort and magnesium have become so widespread that addressing them is now a regular task for NHS clinicians. Two in five frontline health workers report encountering patients with inaccurate or misleading supplement information at least weekly. A YouGov poll for the World Cancer Research Fund showed the rate rises to 53 percent among nurses and midwives. Doctors say false claims about nutrition and supplements consume valuable time during consultations. The WCRF warns that belief in unproven diets, vitamins and minerals may endanger health and raise cancer risk. GP Dr Philippa Kaye said she sees the effects of such misinformation weekly. Patients often arrive with newspaper articles, social media images or wellness website printouts. She noted particular concern over the assumption that over-the-counter or “natural” products are automatically safe while prescribed medicines are harmful. Some supplements carry hidden risks, Kaye added, including liver injury from turmeric, interactions with other drugs from St John’s wort, varying magnesium types that may cause diarrhoea, and skin reactions from certain products. The WCRF survey of 795 NHS staff was conducted ahead of Cancer Prevention Action Week. Specialists plan to focus on misinformation risks for the next three years. UK director Steven Greenberg highlighted distorted online claims, including dangerous suggestions involving horse wormers or apricot kernels that can cause cyanide toxicity. Patients, nurses and dietitians report these claims divert people from evidence-based diet and lifestyle changes while using up consultation time. Campaigner Sharon Moffat, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, described receiving numerous unverified supplement and therapy recommendations after sharing her diagnosis. She found many lacked supporting evidence. Oncology dietitian Rachel White said patients often make changes without realising potential harm. A government spokesperson advised seeking guidance from qualified professionals rather than social media.
