Health supplements are a multibillion dollar industry. Although regulated by the FDA, some claims made about them go beyond what has been proven effective and may also interact with certain medications.
Before taking supplements, always consult with a healthcare professional first. They know your medical history better than anyone and can recommend supplements tailored specifically to you.
Dietary supplements are wildly popular
Dietary supplements are an increasingly popular choice among health-minded consumers. Sometimes referred to as health or herbal supplements, these products contain concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals as well as amino acids and enzymes; plus many more ingredients. Dietary supplements come in the form of pills, capsules softgels gel capsules powders.
Most dietary supplements are taken on advice of a physician or health care professional, with multivitamin-minerals being the most widely reported product, followed by calcium and omega 3 fatty acid/fish oil supplements. Over one quarter of users reported specifically using these products to support bone health.
Folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects during gestation. Unfortunately, most supplements have not been subjected to rigorous scientific tests for safety or effectiveness; many consumers prefer purchasing their dietary supplements from authorized stores as this provides greater confidence that all products have been rigorously examined to meet stringent safety standards.
They are regulated by the FDA
Dietary supplements are overseen by the Food and Drug Administration, who has authority to monitor their quality as well as assess any claims about composition or health benefits made by manufacturers. However, this body may only issue mandatory recall orders if evidence can be shown of significant risks posed to injuries or illness by particular products.
Consumers can help ensure their products comply with high safety standards by reporting adverse events. Such reports can identify potentially hazardous supplements and stop them from entering the market.
The FDA can improve its oversight by mandating that companies conduct composition testing of supplements sold. While this may limit innovation and raise costs for some supplements, this step would protect consumers from harmful ingredients. Furthermore, mandating that all dietary supplements carry the United States Pharmacopeia mark can give consumers confidence they are receiving what they paid for – according to Ritual CEO Dahl this is one way ensuring they’re receiving what they purchased.
They are effective
Although most health supplements are generally safe, some may contain ingredients which could be detrimental if consumed in large doses or over long periods of time. This could result in serious side effects including liver damage and cardiovascular issues; before taking any supplements it is wise to consult your physician first.
Randomized clinical trials provide the ideal way to assess any supplement. These studies compare the health outcomes between those taking an herbal remedy or vitamin supplement and those who don’t. Unfortunately, the results from such studies can often be misleading since many are based on observational research which doesn’t always withstand time.
Supplements may not be regulated the same way as drugs, yet manufacturers can still make claims about their products. They cannot claim that a supplement treats or prevents disease; only structure/function claims such as “calcium strengthens bones” or “fiber maintains regularity” are allowed; no specific diseases should be mentioned here.
They are not effective
Dietary supplements are an integral component of many industries, yet research shows they often do more harm than good. Many contain ingredients that may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines and could result in moderate to severe outcomes for users. Furthermore, according to one 2012 study 20 percent of 127 dietary supplements made illegal claims; one of these was Prevagen which made claims it improved memory and was charged by the Federal Trade Commission with false advertising.
While nutritional supplements may assist those who suffer from nutritional deficiencies, eating healthily remains the best way to maintain or enhance wellness. When selecting supplements it’s also wise to be wary of health claims based on anecdotal evidence or that claim to cure certain diseases; seek products with United States Pharmacopeial Convention verified labels as this will reassure that you have exactly the amount and potency that was claimed on their labels.
