Doctors a barrier to dietary supplements?
PETALING JAYA: Medical doctors pose a barrier to the growth of dietary supplements even though such supplements complement medication partly due to their training, revealed a forum panelist at the launch of Malaysian Dietary Supplements Association’s (MADSA) report launch and forum.
“Doctors are trained medically. They conduct research and patent a toxin (as medicine) and it may work for them. Consumers view it as toxin. It is also due to lack of training,” said Datuk Dr Rajen Manicka, the founder of Holista Colltech Group of Companies.
“As a result of that, consumers are taking supplements without informing their doctors. The doctors need more training and consumers need to have more trust (on their doctors).”
He added that doctors, ultimately, would want the people to be proactive and healthy.
“Consumers, on the other hand, should inform doctors on the alternative dietary supplement that they take. Both can co-exist, unlike religions,” said Rajen.
He said this while responding to the issue of doctors being a challenge to dietary supplements.
Fellow panelist, Henry Law of EIGIS Consulting said that some doctors are receptive to the use of supplements.
“Doctors are probably afraid that the patients will only consume supplements. We do have to look for medicine as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr Fadzilah Adibah Abdul Majid of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s Institute of Marine Biotechnology said the medical fraternity would be convinced with the use of dietary supplements if they are presented with scientific evidence.
“If they hear more on the mechanism and safety of the supplements, they will be open to it along with published articles in journals,” she said.
The forum was moderated by Azrul Khalib who heads the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy.
By K Pragalath
