Systemischer Kontext
Health is not a state but a process that we can actively shape. Anyone who combines preventive medicine and nutritional medicine recognizes that dietary supplements, micronutrients, and medically prescribed therapy are not interchangeable terms, but rather three distinct levels of health care, each with its own requirements.
Why do some people live long and healthy lives, while others fall ill early despite their best intentions? As a doctor, I encounter this question daily – and the answer rarely begins with supplements or medication. It begins with the question of how we understand health in the first place.
Conventional medicine is geared towards treatment: it becomes active when an illness is already present, with the aim of restoring the original state. Prevention thinks further. We understand health as a process that we can actively shape – to maintain it and to address complaints meaningfully in their early stages.
Who actually determines what is healthy?
The food industry and pharmaceutical companies have recognized a commercial interest in health debates. This doesn't automatically make their statements false – but it's worth critically asking: Who funds a study, a campaign, a recommendation? And does it truly aim to advise people well?
Not every supplement is the same
In practice, we consistently distinguish between three levels:
Dietary supplements as part of a balanced diet – for people who want to specifically support their daily intake.
Micronutrients and certain vital substances whose requirements can change – for example, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, intensive physical or professional stress, or while taking certain medications.
Medically prescribed therapies that require an individual examination – anamnesis, physical examination, and often laboratory analyses. This level belongs in the hands of a doctor and does not replace self-medication.
A point that is often overlooked
Many medications influence how the body absorbs and processes vitamins, micronutrients, or hormones. Those who take medication regularly often benefit from discussing this connection with their treating physician – specifically and individually, not generally.
Certain life stages also increase the need for conscious support: pregnancy, breastfeeding, high professional or athletic stress. Smoking and alcohol consumption, on the other hand, often require more than dietary supplements – here, lifestyle changes are paramount, possibly accompanied by therapy.
Our conclusion as the scientific advisory board of devyne
Health cannot be outsourced – neither to industry nor to individual products. It begins with a conscious diet, is supported by a reflective lifestyle, and can be supplemented where sensible with carefully selected dietary supplements as part of a balanced diet. Individual questions about medications, micronutrients, or existing illnesses should always be discussed with a doctor.
Dr. med. Michael Greis is a specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery with a focus on preventive medicine and nutritional medicine (DAEM/DGEM) and a member of the scientific advisory board of devyne.
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This article represents a personal professional assessment and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Anyone taking medication, suffering from an illness, who is pregnant or breastfeeding, should always discuss questions about dietary supplements, micronutrients or lifestyle changes with their doctor.
Wissenschaftliche Quellen
Professional assessment by Dr. Michael Greis, specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery with a focus on preventive medicine and nutritional medicine (DAEM/DGEM), based on his many years of practical experience.
