Most individuals can obtain all their required vitamins and minerals through diet alone; however, others require supplementation with pills, powder or liquid form that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs botanicals or amino acids in order to avoid deficiencies.
While dietary supplements may provide additional support, they should never replace eating healthy and consulting a healthcare professional before taking them – as some could interact with medications or cause side effects.
They are not a substitute for a healthy diet
Dietary supplements refer to any substance taken as part of an individual’s daily diet to supplement it, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs or plant compounds. While many of these products have positive side effects when taken in sufficient amounts over an extended period, others can cause serious harm when taken at high dosage or for too long a time period. Individuals should always speak with a healthcare provider prior to beginning any dietary supplements so that they may discuss a person’s individual medical history, recommend an appropriate dosage and warn of potential side effects.
Although using dietary supplements is generally discouraged for healthy individuals, such products can help fill nutritional needs that are hard to meet through food. They should not serve as a replacement for eating a varied and varied-calorie diet with limited saturated fat and caloric intake and the consumption of processed, fatty and sugary food products; to get all of the necessary vitamins and minerals most efficiently is through eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or nonfat dairy and lean proteins in moderation.
They are not regulated by the FDA
While the FDA regulates some substances, including medicines, supplements are not covered. Manufacturers can make claims about their effectiveness without being held accountable by this agency. It has the authority to inspect a company’s facilities and can remove or fine products that don’t meet standard. It can also regulate food additives and bottled water.
Dietary supplement companies may market their products by touting them as “FDA approved,” yet this can be misleading. The FDA approves generic medicines only – these must perform similarly to brand name medications with regard to benefits and risks.
FDA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) work in concert to monitor illegal product claims as well as ensure advertising relating to dietary supplements is truthful and not misleading. Furthermore, both consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse events associated with dietary supplements in order for the FDA to identify potentially unsafe products from entering the marketplace.
They are not a panacea
Dietary supplements are often promoted as a panacea for any and all health concerns, from headaches and stomach ailments to depression and anxiety. Available in pill, powder and liquid form, dietary supplements offer an alternative to prescription medication but may have serious adverse reactions; in particular potassium supplements often contain twice the amount advertised while black cohosh products often use cheaper plant derivatives instead of their advertised berberine ingredient.
Most people use health and nutrition supplements to supplement their diets with extra vitamins and minerals, but these pills shouldn’t be seen as an easy fix or used as replacements for eating healthily. Some supplements can even be harmful if taken at high dosages for an extended period of time; to achieve proper balance of vitamins and minerals in your body it is best to eat a variety of nutritious food, consulting your physician as to what may be necessary.
They can cause side effects
Tens of millions of Americans take dietary supplements every day in the US. Many are vitamins and minerals, while others contain amino acids, botanicals, or other ingredients. Unfortunately, some can cause side effects; too much iron in particular may lead to nausea, headaches and liver damage if overused.
Too many supplements may also interfere with your medications, particularly HIV/AIDS, heart disease and depression medications. When taken alongside St. John’s Wort – an herb known to influence blood clotting – or blood thinners like aspirin that also thin blood (ginkgo biloba or other herbal remedies that do this), their effects could become diminished or less effective.
Dietary supplements should only be used with the advice of a health care professional for treating or preventing illness, rather than to supplement existing food sources that provide essential vitamins and minerals. In the absence of effective oversight in the supplement industry, it would be prudent not to take supplements without first consulting your physician.
