Confused by Tests and Supplements? You’re Not Alone by Svetlana Kogan, M.D

As a functional medicine physician, I’ve noticed a growing trend among my new patients in the last few years. Many arrive in my office after being bombarded with slick advertisements on television, social media, or health websites. These ads promise cutting-edge testing or miracle supplements, often presented with impressive graphics, glowing testimonials, and the irresistible message: “You need this now!”

By the time patients turn to me, they’ve often already purchased expensive tests or started taking handfuls of supplements. And more often than not, they’re left with two things: a lighter wallet and a great deal of confusion. The results are unclear, the supplement regimens are overwhelming, and the underlying health concerns remain unresolved. Then they look to me to help sort it all out—after the fact.

I want to be clear: I’m not against testing or supplements. Both can play an incredibly valuable role in functional and holistic medicine. But not all tests are appropriate for every individual, and not all supplements are necessary—or even safe.

Functional medicine has rightfully earned popularity for using advanced testing to go beyond conventional lab work. Functional tests can measure everything from hormone fluctuations to adrenal function, gut microbiome imbalances, food sensitivities, and genetic predispositions. Done thoughtfully, these tools can give us a much deeper understanding of the unique factors influencing your health.

But here’s the catch: no one needs every test. Ordering a long list of panels without context is like dumping puzzle pieces on the table without knowing which picture you’re trying to build. You end up with scattered data, and no clear path forward.

For example, one patient may truly benefit from a comprehensive gut health panel, while another would be better served with hormone testing, and another may not need advanced testing at all—just careful history-taking, a set of conventional lab tests, and targeted lifestyle changes. When testing is guided by your medical history, your symptoms, and your overall goals, it becomes powerful. When it’s driven by advertising, it often becomes noise.

Supplements are another area where advertising can lead people astray. Patients often arrive in my office with bags full of bottles—vitamins, minerals, probiotics, herbal blends, specialty powders. They’ve been convinced that each product is essential, yet they’re not sure which ones are helping, which might be redundant, or whether some might even be working against each other.

Here’s the truth: supplements should be supplemental. They’re meant to fill in gaps, support healing, and complement lifestyle changes—not to replace them. More is not always better. In fact, taking unnecessary supplements can strain the liver or kidneys, interact with medications, clutter your gut with fillers, or simply waste money without improving health.

When I recommend supplements, it’s always in the context of a full evaluation. My role isn’t just to order tests and hand out supplements. It’s to step back, listen carefully, and piece together your unique health story. I look at your medical history, current concerns, lifestyle, diet, environment, and stress levels. Then, based on this whole picture, I may recommend some supplements or none. Instead of starting with a menu of hundreds of possible tests, I begin with you. I ask, “What’s most relevant here? What will give us actionable information?” That way, the testing and subsequent supplements become targeted and meaningful.

Patients who talk to their doctors about testing and supplements, instead of rushing to purchase them online or on TV, often save themselves not just confusion and frustration, but significant amounts of money. Instead of purchasing 10 unnecessary tests, they may only need one or two. Instead of juggling 15 different supplements, they may only need three, chosen specifically for their
situation, or perhaps even no supplements at all.

We live in a time when health information—and misinformation—is everywhere. Marketing messages are designed to create urgency and fear of missing out. But your health isn’t a sales pitch. It’s personal, nuanced, and complex. That’s why your doctor’s opinion matters.

Your health is your power. Invest in it. You’re worth it.

The author of ‘Diet Slave No More!’, Svetlana Kogan, M.D. is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience. Her website is CustomLongevity.com Office Phone: 239-676-6883