Sports legends attack supplement industry over transparency

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 09:08 · Archive

Olympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong and Ironman legend Guy Leech have criticised Australia's $6.3bn supplements market, saying consumers are sold confusion instead of clear answers. The pair believe the industry encourages people to buy multiple products for separate concerns rather than simpler, unified options.

The supplements market has grown substantially, with complementary medicines supply chain revenue reaching $6.3bn in 2025, up from $4.6bn in 2021. According to industry data, 74 per cent of Australians used supplements in the previous year, with 41 per cent taking them daily. Older Australians are among the heaviest users: 50.9 per cent of those aged 75 and over had taken a dietary supplement, and people in that age group were more than twice as likely to use supplements as adults aged 18 to 29. In residential aged care, 78.4 per cent of residents use at least one complementary medicine and 41.2 per cent use two or more.

Leech, who has known Armstrong for over 30 years, questioned the industry's business model. 'Why would a company that makes a fortune selling you 10 different bottles ever put out the one product that replaces all 10?' he said. 'It's not that they can't do it.'

How it is being reported

• Aussie sport legends raise concerns on labels, transparency in $6.3bn supplement industryTwo sporting legends have launched a blistering attack on the $6.3bn supplement industry, warning Aussies are being sold “a story” instead of straight answers.Perth Now · 18 Oct, 08:44
• Aussie sport legends raise concerns on labels, transparency in $6.3bn supplement industryTwo sporting legends have launched a blistering attack on the $6.3bn supplement industry, warning Aussies are being sold “a story” instead of straight answers.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 08:44

In this story: Duncan Armstrong · Guy Leech · Australia · NEXT50

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