Vitamins, minerals, herbs and fish oil supplements are among the many dietary supplements found on store shelves today. Many can offer health benefits and alleviate symptoms; however some may pose potential risks.
Before taking a new dietary supplement, it’s a wise idea to consult your healthcare provider and keep a record of all medications and supplements you take.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients required by our bodies for proper function and health, found both in food as well as supplements taken orally to address deficiencies or specific medical problems. Supplements come in pill, gummy or liquid forms – always read labels carefully when selecting any supplement as some may contain more or less than needed of whatever vitamin(s).
Some vitamins are fat-soluble and stored in liver tissue or fat pads, while water-soluble ones are flushed from your system in urine. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid biotin and folic acid). Most supplements such as vitamin B12 should be consumed alongside food but some such as B12 can be more easily absorbed without food intake. It’s always wise to inform healthcare providers what medications or supplements you are taking so they can better assist them when taking medications or when making decisions regarding medical care recommendations.
Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring substances with distinctive chemical composition and ordered internal atomic structures, often manifested externally as crystals or as noncrystalline forms (amorphous).
Many minerals are electrolytes found in body fluids and used by our bodies to form chemical compounds essential to our wellbeing. Iodine and iron are two such essentials. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be readily noticeable and treatable through diet changes; while others such as iron toxicity require periodic blood work for diagnosis.
Multivitamin/mineral supplements are over-the-counter products designed to supplement any missing nutrients from our diet, but cannot be used as medicine to treat diseases or claim medical effects such as lowering blood pressure or sugar.
Herbal Extracts
Herbal extracts are used in dietary supplements to enhance health and support the immune system. Their quality can often be ensured from batch to batch through standardization processes.
Garlic, hawthorn berries, ginkgo biloba and turmeric all contain active compounds that may help lower cholesterol levels, enhance heart function and increase circulation while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. These herbal nutraceuticals also feature anti-microbial properties.
Herbal supplements fall into the category of dietary supplements and therefore are regulated differently than pharmaceutical drugs, meaning they don’t undergo the same rigorous testing processes as over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Herbal supplements may interact with medications prescribed to you so it is wise to speak to your healthcare provider prior to taking herbal remedies, particularly those with existing health issues [131]
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are an integral part of cell membranes that provide structure and support interactions among cells. Omega-3s also play an integral part in creating eicosanoids – compounds which act like hormone-like signaling molecules in our bodies.
Fish and algae are sources of omega-3s such as ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA and DHA which accumulate in the tissues of those who eat them. Plant-based supplements with ALA content are also widely available as oil capsules or tablets.
Observational studies demonstrate that higher intakes of EPA and DHA lower the risk of heart disease. As evidenced by FDA qualified health claims regarding their effect on coronary heart disease risk reduction, two 2018 trials demonstrated how dietary supplementation with these omega 3s also decreased heart failure, cardiac death, and stroke among people living with diabetes.
Weight Loss Supplements
Dietary supplements for weight loss are becoming increasingly popular as patients seek natural solutions that offer remarkable benefits at an economical and practical price point. Many are even less costly and easier than prescription medication to take regularly.
As opposed to drugs, dietary supplements do not need FDA approval before being sold; however, FDA regulations mandate dietary supplement manufacturers follow good manufacturing practices and label their products accurately.
Dietary supplement claims must include the product name and a statement that it is dietary supplement, the ingredients listed in descending order of concentration (excluding proprietary blends), a Supplement Facts panel and net quantity of contents. Any claim that does not come from scientific trials must also come with a disclaimer notifying users that this supplement has not been reviewed by FDA.
