NHS staff report frequent encounters with supplement misinformation
10 reported
A survey commissioned by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) found that two out of five frontline NHS workers encounter patients who raise inaccurate or misleading information about dietary supplements at least once a week. The figure rises to 53% among nurses and midwives. The WCRF says it fears that patients’ belief in unproven dietary regimes, vitamins and minerals is putting their health in danger and increasing their risk of getting cancer. Dr Philippa Kaye said she sees the consequences of health misinformation every week in her GP surgery, with patients bringing newspaper stories, social media screenshots and videos from TikTok. The WCRF commissioned the survey of 795 NHS staff before Cancer Prevention Action Week, which starts on Monday. Cancer specialists behind the initiative are so concerned about public misunderstanding that for the next three years its activities will highlight the risks posed by misinformation. A government spokesperson said people should always speak to a qualified health professional before making decisions about diet, supplements or treatment.
What’s reported
Two out of five frontline NHS workers encounter patients raising inaccurate or misleading information about supplements at least once a week.
Among nurses and midwives, the figure is 53%.
The WCRF survey polled 795 NHS staff.
Dr Philippa Kaye said patients bring newspaper stories, social media screenshots, printouts from wellness websites, or saved TikTok videos to consultations.
Kaye cited hidden risks including liver injury from turmeric supplements, St John’s wort interacting with other medications, different types of magnesium causing diarrhoea, and supplements leading to itchy skin reactions.
The WCRF’s UK director, Steven Greenberg, mentioned examples of dubious claims including horse wormers, apricot kernels (which can cause cyanide toxicity), and everyday items like sugar and vitamin C.
Sharon Moffat became a campaigner after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and said she received unsolicited advice about special waters, supplements, and products claiming to cure cancer.
Rachel White, an oncology dietitian, said misinformation is a challenging part of her job and that patients often do not realise the danger or harm they can cause.
A government spokesperson said: “Your health is too important to leave to social media and the internet.”
The WCRF survey also found many NHS staff feel ill-equipped to counteract mistaken beliefs in unorthodox therapies.
Key figures
Dr Philippa Kaye, GP
Steven Greenberg, UK director of the World Cancer Research Fund
Sharon Moffat, campaigner and breast cancer patient diagnosed in 2024
Rachel White, oncology dietitian
Government spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
