[Misinformation and disinformation about dietary supplements in social media: limiting the risks, seizing the...

Social media is an important and popular source of information related to dietary supplements (DSs); at the same time, social media also spreads potentially harmful misinformation and disinformation. Content on DSs is usually economically motivated without this being transparently recognizable to users. This situation is highly problematic in terms of consumer health protection. Nevertheless, social media offers excellent opportunities for evidence-based education of the population about DS-related benefits and risks.While the effects of social media information on users' health behavior, health, and nutrition have been well studied, there is a lack of specific data on DSs. This article therefore summarizes the data available on DS-related information on social media and identifies specific risks and opportunities from the perspective of consumer health protection. On this basis, concrete recommendations for action are derived that should serve to shape DS-specific structures in the context of social media that benefit both consumers and reputable DS manufacturers.