Are you taking more nutritional supplements than you need? Taking too much of certain types of supplements can be costly and may even increase the risk of side effects. For instance, excessive vitamin A intake can lead to headaches, liver damage, weakened bones, and birth defects. Too much iron can cause nausea, vomiting, and organ damage. To determine if you are deficient in any specific nutrients, you can get a simple blood test.
However, these tests are not usually included in routine physical exams. The National Board of Medical Nutrition Specialists and the American Board of Medical Specialties have directories that can help you find a health professional who meets your needs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements or their labeling. However, certain types of claims used on dietary supplement labels require pre-marketing review and authorization. These include claims for a benefit related to a classic nutrient-deficiency disease and general well-being statements derived from the consumption of a nutrient or other dietary ingredient. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that people continue to take supplements even when their dietary nutrient intake is adequate.
Elite athletes often use nutritional supplements, but the combined effect of vitamin E and acetylsalicylic acid on blood clotting should be taken into account during nutritional counseling and annual health assessments. FDA regulations require that dietary supplement labels include the name of the product and a statement that it is a dietary supplement or an equivalent term that replaces “dietary” with the name or type of dietary ingredient of the product. The FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) is primarily responsible for overseeing these products. When an athlete reports using multiple supplements, an additional nutritional evaluation should be conducted by a nutritionist. This evaluation should include an analysis of the usual food intake using a dietary protocol, a detailed history of the use and dosage of the supplements, and the calculation of total nutrient intake from foods and supplements. Dietary advice for athletes should also include an evaluation of their usual diet and supplement intake. It is important to remember that taking too much of certain types of nutritional supplements can be costly and may also increase the risk of side effects.
Therefore, it is important to consult with a health professional before taking any type of supplement to ensure that you are taking the right amount for your body.
