Taking supplements your body doesn't need? What UAE doctors warn about

Supplement side effects matter for UAE gym-goers because vitamins, minerals and sports supplements can carry risk when adults take more than their body needs. If you are weighing up supplements and real food, the latest doctor warning is simple: food first, test first, and do not build a stack from social media advice.

According to Gulf News, UAE doctors say many patients take protein powder, multivitamins, magnesium and electrolytes together, often on the advice of friends, trainers or social media rather than a blood test. That matters because supplement stacking can make it harder to know what is helping, what is doing nothing, and what might be adding unnecessary pressure on the body.

Khaleej Times reported similar warnings from UAE doctors. The report quoted Dr Mohamed Elgezouli of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Hospital in Sharjah, dietitian Swapna Mary John of International Modern Hospital in Dubai, and Dr Marian Malak Eshak Morkos of Burjeel Day Surgery Center. Their message was not anti-supplement. It was anti-guesswork.

In this article

1. Why doctors are warning about unnecessary supplements
2. The food-first, test-first rule for gym nutrition
3. What UAE doctors suggest checking first
4. A calmer way to choose which supplements earn a place in your routine

Why doctors are warning about unnecessary supplements

Supplements can be useful when there is a clear gap to fill. The problem starts when people take several products because they sound healthy, because someone at the gym recommended them, or because a post online made them look essential.

According to Khaleej Times, high-dose vitamin D taken over time can raise blood calcium and damage the kidneys, while iron taken without a deficiency can build up in the organs. Gulf News also reported that sustained excess vitamin D may cause nausea, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation and confusion, and over time may lead to kidney stones or impaired kidney function.

Magnesium supplement side effects can also matter in the wrong context. Khaleej Times reported that magnesium and potassium can reach dangerous levels in people with undiagnosed kidney problems. The same report said high doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage.

There is another issue for people already taking prescribed medicines. The UAE doctors quoted by Khaleej Times warned that supplements can interfere with medicines such as blood thinners and thyroid tablets, which is why your physician needs to know what you take.

The food-first, test-first rule for gym nutrition

For most people who train, the practical takeaway is not complicated. Gulf News reported the doctors' message as food first and test first: most people eating a balanced diet do not need to stack multiple supplements, and a blood test shows the real gaps worth filling.

That is especially relevant for gym-goers who want better energy, strength and recovery. Protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and micronutrients all come from a regular eating pattern before they come from a tub or bottle. A protein shake may help someone top up protein if their normal meals fall short, but the brief from doctors is clear: do not assume every extra product is needed.

Before adding another supplement, pause and check the reason:

• Is there a blood test or doctor recommendation behind it?
• Are you already taking another product with the same vitamins or minerals?
• Could the same need be met through regular meals first?
• Have you told your physician about everything you take, especially if you use prescribed medicine?

This is not about making training feel complicated. It is about removing guesswork. A smaller, evidence-led approach is easier to track than a long list of pills, powders and drinks.

What UAE doctors suggest checking first

Khaleej Times reported that Dr Mohamed Elgezouli recommends a baseline check before supplementing. The checks listed were a full blood count, iron stores, vitamin D, vitamin B12, kidney function, blood sugar and cholesterol, plus thyroid tests if you have symptoms.

That kind of testing helps separate a real deficiency from a hunch. It also gives your doctor a clearer picture if you feel unusually tired, are changing your diet, or are worried that a supplement is not agreeing with you. The important point is that bloodwork and medical advice come before megadosing, not after side effects appear.

A calmer way to choose which supplements earn a place in your routine

For active adults, the safest mindset is to treat supplements as targeted tools, not shortcuts. Start with meals. Use testing to identify gaps. Keep your physician informed. Be careful with products that promise fast results or hide behind vague ingredient claims.

In day-to-day gym life, that might mean keeping your routine boring in the best way. Eat enough protein through normal food where you can. Drink enough fluids. Sleep properly. Train consistently. If a supplement still has a clear reason to be there, it is easier to understand why you are taking it and easier to notice if something feels off.

Good training does not need a crowded supplement shelf. If you want a gym routine that supports consistent, sensible progress, fill in the enquiry form.

Sources:
khaleejtimes.com
gulfnews.com

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.