Dietary supplements can fill nutritional gaps caused by poor diet or conditions like lactose intolerance. Unfortunately, too much is not better; too many supplements may even contain hidden drugs or interfere with medications.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-mandated health and nutrition supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids.
They supply your body with the extra nutrients it needs
Consuming health and nutrition supplements is an increasingly popular way to supplement the body’s nutritional intake. These pills, powders, or beverages often come in pill form that contain vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, or other essential vitamins to your diet – helping manage any dietary deficits or prevent diseases caused by nutritional deficiency.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that supplements should not replace healthy eating practices. Furthermore, some may cause negative side effects in large doses; so before beginning a new supplement regimen it would be prudent to consult your physician first.
Most scientific investigations of supplements begin with observational studies comparing the health outcomes for those taking certain vitamins or supplements to those who don’t take them. Next comes conducting randomized clinical trials with volunteers randomly assigned either taking the supplement or receiving a placebo pill and researchers keeping track of their health over time.
They help reduce your chances of getting medical conditions
Supplements can generally be safely taken when taken in accordance with recommended dosage. However, they may cause side effects or interact with some medications; therefore, the FDA advises avoiding supplements that have not been researched on children, pregnant women, and others likely to experience an adverse reaction. Furthermore, it’s also best practice to inform your healthcare provider of any supplements being taken by the patient.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an excellent source for information regarding dietary supplements. Their fact sheets and resources offer valuable advice about vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals and probiotics as well as nutritional deficiencies, common health problems and lifestyle tips. You can download or print them off as they’re also available through PubMed which hosts 35 million citations of research papers online.
They are safe for consumption
Dietary supplements provide an easy and convenient way to add essential vitamins and nutrients to your daily routine. Available in pill, capsule, powder and liquid formats, these dietary supplements may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or amino acids to support overall wellness or lower the risk of certain health conditions.
But it is essential to keep in mind that supplements aren’t drugs, and should never replace a healthy diet. Furthermore, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional prior to taking any supplement as they can assist in finding the proper dosage and helping prevent overdoses.
Some supplements may cause harmful side effects if taken in high doses for extended periods, so if you experience adverse reactions it’s essential that they’re reported to the FDA so they can take appropriate action to remove dangerous products from the market. You can find more information on reporting an adverse event at their website.
They must be taken in recommended doses
Supplements may provide assistance, but should never replace eating healthily and being active. Overdoing certain vitamins and minerals can cause symptoms of toxicity while others interfere with medications prescribed to you by healthcare professionals – so always check before beginning a supplement regimen.
Additionally, it’s wise to avoid products with exaggerated claims. A quality product won’t promise to treat diseases or cure illnesses, and should contain no added ingredients. Furthermore, reading labels carefully is critical: the Food and Nutrition Board has set Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, or ULs for many nutrients – anything above this limit could potentially be harmful.
The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements in the same manner that it regulates drugs; however, they will take action against products which have been adulterated or misbranded, as well as monitor any potential adverse health reactions, though many go unreported.
