Exclusive interview with Christelle Chapteuil, President of Synadiet (National Union of Food Supplements) who gives us her expert insight into the rise of food supplements and their benefits.
– Can you tell us about the Syndicat National des Compléments Alimentaires:its missions and its commitments?
C.C:Created in 1950, Synadiet brings together 240 companies throughout the food supplement production chain. The role of Synadiet is multiple. He represents the sector with the French and European authorities, promotes the consideration of food supplements in health strategies and exchanges in this respect with scientific and medical experts. At the same time, the union leads the life of the sector, advises and trains its members in the application of regulations and thus supports the responsible development of the sector.
– The food supplements market is booming in France. How do you explain this phenomenon?
C.C:The food supplement market has indeed been growing steadily for the past ten years. Gradually, we observe an awareness of the population as to the importance of maintaining their health, the preference for natural solutions that respect their body and the environment. There is also a desire on the part of the French to move away from the systematic use of drugs in favor of traditional, meaningful products when the situation is not pathological. The food supplement is part of these fundamental trends with a market mainly driven by plant-based products.
– Between food and medicine:can you enlighten us on the true place of food supplements?
C.C:Food supplements are a solution for prevention and health maintenance. It is not intended to replace nourishing food or healing medicine. The supplement maintains health. It makes it possible to respond to everyday discomforts, such as joint discomfort, which are not diseases, but are a real annoyance for people who are subject to them. Similarly, at certain times of the year, such as winter, or at certain periods of life such as growth, each individual has particular needs that food supplements can meet.
– In your opinion, what is the future of the dietary supplements market?
CC:Given current consumer trends, the market will continue to develop, driven by natural products, health and supply local. Driven by scientific discoveries, the sector will also continue to structure and improve its quality. The future of this market is to become the preferred prevention solution to stay healthy for as long as possible. It must allow health professionals to offer gentle solutions before resorting to a medicinal solution, whenever possible.
