Russia plans doctor-prescribed supplements under strict new rules

Russia's Ministry of Health has put forward a plan to let doctors and paramedics prescribe dietary supplements from an approved list. The move aims to ensure patients receive only high-quality products that meet strict government standards. Nutritionist Yelena Solomatina believes this could change how people view supplements in the country. Under the new proposal, medical professionals will only recommend supplements when there is a clear health need. Patients will have the right to decline a specific ingredient and pick an alternative product instead. The final choice on whether to use a supplement will always remain with the patient.

The approved list will include supplements that comply with quality and efficacy rules set by the Russian government and the Eurasian Economic Union. Solomatina expects the registry to feature well-documented, reliable options rather than the most expensive brands. The system will focus on widely accessible products for general use. The registry itself will not stay fixed. Authorities plan to update it regularly based on medical practice and new scientific findings. Every prescription or recommendation will also be recorded in the patient's official medical records.

The proposed system would limit prescriptions to supplements with proven standards. It also gives patients more control over their choices while keeping track of recommendations in their health files. The approach reflects a growing trend in Russia toward using supplements to address dietary gaps.