Dietary supplements are booming, but what really works? Find out why targeted measurements are the key to healthy skin.

Nutritional supplements are a big trend in the cosmetics industry. But are they really the key to beautiful skin? As a doctor of integrative medicine and founder of ATTIÈL, I share my critical view and explain why targeted nutrient measurement and optimization are the better way to healthy skin.

The problem of blanket use of food supplements

Today, nutritional supplements are often marketed as a miracle cure for better skin and health. Many people take multivitamins or special preparations without consulting a doctor in the hope of improving the appearance of their skin. But this trend carries risks. These preparations often contain either too small amounts when there are actual deficiencies, or they are taken even though the nutrient status is already sufficient. In addition, some preparations do not contain nutrients in optimally bioavailable forms.

Deficiencies in important nutrients such as iron, B vitamins and minerals can occur, particularly in women with heavy or regular menstrual bleeding, those on a vegetarian or vegan diet and those under a lot of stress. In such cases, it is important to take an individual and targeted approach to ensure that the right amount of nutrients is supplemented.

An undetected nutrient deficiency can have long-term effects on health and skin. Instead of resorting to indiscriminate nutritional supplements, we should focus on sound diagnosis and targeted supplementation.

Measure, take specifically, check again: The right way

Instead of taking random supplements, it is crucial to know the body's actual nutritional needs. The first step should always be to measure blood levels. It is particularly important for women with heavy bleeding to check the iron level, or more specifically the ferritin. If this level is below 50 ng/ml, targeted iron supplementation may be necessary, but only in an appropriate dosage and form to be truly effective.

After about three months, another check should be carried out to ensure that the nutrient stores have been replenished. This also applies to other important nutrients such as B vitamins and minerals. Coenzyme Q10, which plays a central role in energy production and skin health, also shows low levels in some people, especially those on a vegan or vegetarian diet.

The key is to specifically supplement the nutrients that the body actually needs, rather than relying on multivitamin supplements, which are often not optimally tailored to individual needs.

The role of the intestine for optimal nutrient absorption

A frequently underestimated factor when taking nutritional supplements is intestinal health. If the intestinal flora or intestinal mucosa is disturbed, the body cannot properly absorb the nutrients from the supplements. Even the best nutritional supplement is of little use if the intestine is unable to absorb the ingredients. Anyone who suffers from gastrointestinal complaints or has a disturbed intestinal microbiota should therefore also think about intestinal health before taking nutritional supplements.

Why medical supervision is essential

The targeted optimization of the nutrient balance is not a task that should be tackled lightly on your own. Doctors who are trained in micronutrient medicine can use precise diagnostics to determine which nutrients are really missing and which dosages are necessary. They can also recommend bioavailable preparations that the body can use optimally. Regular follow-up checks are also important to avoid over- or under-dosing.

Conclusion: Conscious and targeted nutrient optimization for healthy skin

Nutritional supplements can be valuable aids on the way to healthy skin, but only if they are used in a targeted and individual way. The trend of simply taking any vitamins and minerals rarely leads to the desired result. Instead, we should concentrate on measuring and specifically optimizing our nutrient levels. The principle of "measure - take specifically - check" should always be at the forefront to ensure that the body gets exactly what it needs to stay healthy and to make the skin shine from within.