When it comes to dietary and herbal supplements, it's essential to understand the information on labels, effectiveness, safety, risk, and quality. Adults considering taking a dietary supplement should take into account some general tips. Even though these products are available without a prescription, it's best to talk to your doctor before you start taking any type of supplement.
Supplements
may not be necessary for everyone.Your doctor can help you decide if a dietary supplement is needed. If you want to go beyond the basics of nutrition, it's best to talk to your doctor or a dietician for personalized dietary advice that takes into account your health status, lifestyle, and dietary preferences. Additionally, vitamin and mineral supplements can interfere with prescription medications and medical treatments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not determine if dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed.
It's also important to read the label of all prescription and over-the-counter medications to understand how any supplement might interact with the medications you take or the foods you eat. For instance, the synthetic form of folate (in a supplement or fortified food) is better absorbed by the body than folate from food sources. Antipsychotic medications work by altering brain chemistry to help reduce psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorders. When visiting a health professional, remember to report any complementary medications (including vitamin and mineral supplements) you are taking. The FDA has established good manufacturing practices (GMP) that companies must follow to help ensure the identity, purity, concentration and composition of their dietary supplements.
Before resorting to supplements, it might be best to consider changing your diet and lifestyle if you think you might be lacking certain vitamins and minerals. Some dietary supplements can help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients if you don't eat a variety of nutritious foods. When vitamins are taken as supplements, they are introduced into the body at levels that could never be achieved with the healthiest diet. Products sold as dietary supplements come with a supplemental information label that lists the active ingredients, the amount per serving (dose), and other ingredients, such as fillers, binders and flavorings. Some supplements may increase the risk of bleeding or, if taken before surgery, may change the response to anesthesia.
In fact, there is some evidence that taking high-dose supplements to prevent or cure major chronic diseases (such as heart disease and cancer) can be harmful to health. Popular supplements include vitamins D and B12; minerals such as calcium and iron; herbs such as echinacea and garlic; and products such as glucosamine, probiotics and fish oils. Manufacturers can also add vitamins, minerals and other supplement ingredients to the foods you eat, especially breakfast cereals and beverages. When it comes to choosing the right dietary or herbal supplement for your needs, it's important to consult with your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine if a supplement is necessary for your health needs. Additionally, it's important to read labels carefully in order to understand how any supplement might interact with medications or foods you eat.
It's also important to remember that some dietary supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or change the response to anesthesia if taken before surgery. Finally, before resorting to supplements it might be best to consider changing your diet and lifestyle if you think you might be lacking certain vitamins and minerals.
