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Confused by Tests and Supplements?

You’re Not Alone

by Svetlana Kogan, M.D.
s a people astray. Patients often arrive in my
functional office with bags full of bottles—vitamins,
A medicine minerals, probiotics, herbal blends, specialty
physician, I’ve powders. They’ve been convinced that each
noticed a growing product is essential, yet they’re not sure
trend among my which ones are helping, which might be
new patients in redundant, or whether some might even be
the last few years. working against each other.
Many arrive in my Here’s the truth: supplements should
office after being bombarded with slick be supplemental. They’re meant to fill in
advertisements on television, social media, or health websites. gaps, support healing, and complement lifestyle changes—not to
These ads promise cutting-edge testing or miracle supplements, replace them. More is not always better. In fact, taking unnecessary
often presented with impressive graphics, glowing testimonials, supplements can strain the liver or kidneys, interact with
and the irresistible message: “You need this now!” medications, clutter your gut with fillers, or simply waste money
By the time patients turn to me, they’ve often already without improving health.
purchased expensive tests or started taking handfuls of When I recommend supplements, it’s always in the context
supplements. And more often than not, they’re left with two of a full evaluation. My role isn’t just to order tests and hand out
things: a lighter wallet and a great deal of confusion. The results supplements. It’s to step back, listen carefully, and piece together
are unclear, the supplement regimens are overwhelming, and the your unique health story. I look at your medical history, current
underlying health concerns remain unresolved. Then they look to concerns, lifestyle, diet, environment, and stress levels. Then, based
me to help sort it all out—after the fact. on this whole picture, I may recommend some supplements or none.
I want to be clear: I’m not against testing or supplements. Instead of starting with a menu of hundreds of possible tests, I
Both can play an incredibly valuable role in functional and holistic begin with you. I ask, “What’s most relevant here? What will give
medicine. But not all tests are appropriate for every individual, us actionable information?” That way, the testing and subsequent
and not all supplements are necessary—or even safe. supplements become targeted and meaningful.
Functional medicine has rightfully earned popularity for using Patients who talk to their doctors about testing and supplements,
advanced testing to go beyond conventional lab work. Functional instead of rushing to purchase them online or on TV, often save
tests can measure everything from hormone fluctuations to themselves not just confusion and frustration, but significant
adrenal function, gut microbiome imbalances, food sensitivities, amounts of money. Instead of purchasing 10 unnecessary tests,
and genetic predispositions. Done thoughtfully, these tools they may only need one or two. Instead of juggling 15 different
can give us a much deeper understanding of the unique factors supplements, they may only need three, chosen specifically for their
influencing your health. situation, or perhaps even no supplements at all.
But here’s the catch: no one needs every test. Ordering a long We live in a time when health information—and
list of panels without context is like dumping puzzle pieces on the misinformation—is everywhere. Marketing messages are designed
table without knowing which picture you’re trying to build. You to create urgency and fear of missing out. But your health isn’t a
end up with scattered data, and no clear path forward. sales pitch. It’s personal, nuanced, and complex. That’s why your
For example, one patient may truly benefit from a doctor’s opinion matters.
comprehensive gut health panel, while another would be better Your health is your power. Invest in it.
served with hormone testing, and another may not need advanced
You’re worth it.
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
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
3232 www.LifeInNaples.net