What Your Doctor May Not Know About Nutrition and Supplements (And Why It Matters)

I’ve noticed something that comes up over and over when I talk to my clients: they feel let down by their doctors when it comes to their health, especially when it comes to nutrition, supplements, and even medications. Here’s the thing—I get it. Doctors are amazing at diagnosing and treating illness, but many people don’t realize that their training doesn't cover key areas like nutrition, supplements, and how these things interact with medications.
Let’s break it down.
Doctors Aren’t Nutrition Experts
While doctors are experts in diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments, most medical schools don’t give much focus to nutrition. In fact, many doctors only have a few hours (yes, hours) of nutrition education during their entire medical training. This means that when it comes to practical advice on how food affects your body, most doctors are limited in their knowledge.
Now, don’t get me wrong—doctors know a lot about disease management. But when it comes to using food as medicine or understanding the impact of diet on chronic conditions, that’s where things can get a little blurry. So, if your doctor hasn’t given you any concrete advice on how to use nutrition to support your health, it’s not because they don’t care—it’s because they weren’t trained to do so.
What Doctors Know About Medications vs. What You Need to Know
Doctors know their medications inside and out—they understand how drugs work, what conditions they’re meant to treat, and the side effects that come with them. However, doctors are heavily reliant on the information that pharmacists and drug manufacturers give them. This is important to remember when it comes to understanding the broader effects of your medications.
For example, certain medications can interfere with nutrient absorption, which means you could be missing out on essential vitamins or minerals. Or, some supplements might interfere with how your medications work. Unfortunately, many doctors don’t have the time or the training to dive into how medications and supplements interact, so you may be left to figure that out on your own.
The Missing Piece: Supplements
Here’s another thing: most doctors don’t receive detailed training about supplements. They may know the basics, but unless they’ve gone out of their way to learn more, they aren’t up-to-date on all the latest research about what supplements are actually useful, or how they interact with medications.
Supplements are a huge part of maintaining health, especially as we age. But without a deep understanding of how they work in the body or how they interact with other treatments, it can be tough to know what’s truly beneficial.
Why It’s So Important to Be Informed and Advocate for Yourself
I’m telling you all this because it’s vital to understand where your doctor’s knowledge ends and where your responsibility begins. I see so many clients who don’t realize that they need to advocate for themselves when it comes to their health. I’m not saying doctors are bad—far from it! But they aren’t always the best resource when it comes to certain aspects of your wellness, and you shouldn’t feel bad about seeking out additional support.
Here’s what you can do:

• Ask questions. When you’re talking to your doctor about your medications, don’t be afraid to ask about possible interactions with food or supplements. They may not have the answers right off the bat, but asking gives you the chance to have a more informed conversation.
• Educate yourself. Take charge of your health. There are plenty of resources out there—like nutritionists, dietitians, and holistic health practitioners—who can help you bridge that gap. And, of course, I’m always here to help you better understand what your body needs!
• Collaborate with the right professionals. Doctors are fantastic when it comes to diagnosing and treating disease. But for everything else—nutrition, movement, supplements—working with professionals who specialize in those areas can make a world of difference.

A Holistic Approach to Health
When it comes to aging well and managing health, it’s all about finding the right balance between medical care and holistic wellness. It’s not just about treating symptoms—it’s about nourishing your body and mind, optimizing your nutrition, and getting the right movement. That’s why I’ve built PrimeFit 55+—to help you live your best life, even as you get older.
If you ever need help navigating all of this, I’m here to help. Let’s take control of your health, together.