Health experts in Greece are warning that the growing and often reckless use of dietary supplements by young people and teenagers poses serious, and sometimes fatal, health risks.
At an event at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) this week, specialists cautioned that multivitamins, protein powders, and creatine are increasingly being used without medical supervision, particularly among students and gym-goers.
“Many young people use supplements more often than they should — and without even knowing why,” said Professor Irini Koïdou, the event organizer.
“When used without medical guidance, they can cause health problems.”
Professor Nikolaos Koutlianos, of AUTH’s sports science department, warned of "massive misuse of illegal products… even among minors."
He cited research showing users of banned supplements face a six to twenty times higher risk of death.
The problem is widespread. While one in three gym-goers in Greece regularly takes legal supplements, experts said up to one-third of those products may be contaminated with dangerous, unlisted substances, such as stimulants or fat-burning chemicals.
Professor Georgios Dimitriadis, chair of AUTH’s Health Committee, said the event aimed to educate students on what should be avoided.
"We want to create informed consumers who use supplements only when there’s a real need — and after medical testing,” Mr. Dimitriadis said.
The discussion comes as officials confront a growing supplement culture fueled by social media fitness trends.
Experts warned that without stronger awareness, the line between fitness and health risk is "dangerously thin."