Nutritional supplements can be a great way to improve overall health and help manage certain health conditions. Folic acid, for example, can reduce the risk of certain birth defects. While dietary supplements cannot replace healthy eating habits, they can provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients when used responsibly. In fact, nearly 3 out of 5 Americans use supplements every month to benefit their health. Dietary supplements can play a vital role in a healthy lifestyle, but it's important to be an informed consumer.
Here are some questions and answers about what you need to know to safely select and take dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are products that contain vitamins, minerals, botanical or herbal ingredients, amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), and enzymes (complex proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions). They are usually sold in several forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. Dietary supplements aren't drugs and don't cure diseases, but they're regulated by the U. S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Are dietary supplements safe to take? If there is a serious problem associated with a supplement, such as a side effect, manufacturers must inform the FDA that this is an adverse event. The FDA may recall dietary supplements from the market if they are found to be unsafe or if the claims in the products are false and misleading. Who benefits from dietary supplements? People of all ages can benefit from taking nutritional supplements. For example, pregnant women may need additional folic acid to reduce the risk of birth defects.
Older adults may need additional calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health. People with certain medical conditions may need additional vitamins or minerals to help manage their condition. Do I need to talk to my healthcare provider about dietary supplements? It is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which supplements are right for you and how much you should take. It is also important to tell your healthcare provider about the dietary supplements you are taking when you are being treated for a health condition, such as heart problems or high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. A good starting point is the product label.
The FDA requires that all dietary supplements identify certain information on their labeling, including a list of ingredients and a label with information about the supplement. Are there any side effects to consider when taking dietary supplements? As with any medication or supplement, it is important to read the label carefully and follow all directions. If you take dietary supplements as directed, follow all guidelines and check with your doctor, the risks are low. Some side effects of dietary supplements include stomach discomfort, heartburn, gas, and bloating. Nutritional supplements improve your regular diet to ensure a healthy supply of nutrients. They contain vitamins and minerals that help you feel better, look better and even sleep better.
From daily vitamins to bodybuilding products, it's important to note that supplements aren't regulated in the same way as medications by the FDA. Therefore, consider the health benefits and risks before taking a dietary supplement. Dr. Gold suggests that supplements that test positive generally become a regulated drug. As a result, they are better studied, the dosage is better understood, and the risks are clearly identified.
For that reason, he seeks to use medications rather than over-the-counter supplements to help his patients achieve a health goal. Dr. Gold has seen first-hand the harmful effects of bodybuilding supplements. Many of them contain creatine, an amino acid that can build muscle but can also damage the kidneys. He also found that many of these supplements have high levels of caffeine which can lead to muscle breakdown, hyperactivity and agitation. The good news is that people often don't share the supplements they're taking with their healthcare provider.
Nutritional imbalances can cause symptoms that you didn't even know were due to a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Nutritional supplements close any dietary gap to maintain or improve nutrient density in the body. Make an appointment with us at Balance Hormone Center to learn more about vitamins and nutritional supplements. Unfortunately, most people don't have the time or energy to keep track of proper nutrition every day.
