Are supplements really necessary — or is the wellness industry overselling them?
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia is joined by registered dietitian and author Josie Porter to chat about some of the most popular supplements trending online right now, including creatine, magnesium, electrolytes, collagen, probiotics, NMNs, CoQ10, and omega-3s.
Together, they explore what the research actually says, where supplements may be helpful, and why a food-first approach still matters most. This conversation cuts through fear-based wellness messaging around longevity and offers an evidence-informed perspective.
Whether you’re curious about supplements, feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends, or wondering which supplements are actually worth your money, this episode will help you make more informed decisions.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to approach supplements through a food-first, non-diet lens
- The difference between promising research and marketing hype
- How supplement regulation works in the UK
- When supplements may genuinely be supportive or necessary
Resources & Links:
About our Guest:
Josie Porter is a registered dietitian with a special interest in binge eating disorder, weight management, women's health and gut health. She has worked across leading NHS services and in private practice. You can find Josie on Instagram.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & introduction
00:54 – What are NMNs and do they actually support longevity?
04:34 – CoQ10, heart health, and antioxidant claims
09:03 – Creatine: performance benefits vs online hype
13:58 – Supplement regulation and safety concerns in the UK
17:33 – Greens powders, liver health, and “natural” marketing
20:01 – Electrolytes: who actually needs them?
24:17 – Magnesium supplements for sleep and constipation
33:07 – Omega-3 supplements and bridging nutritional gaps
36:56 – Probiotics: what the science really says
44:19 – Collagen for skin, joints, and healthy ageing
48:32 – Final thoughts on a food-first approach to supplements
Connect with Talia:
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
