If the dietary supplement aisle in your pharmacy intimidates you, you're not alone. Before you buy, consult your physician for advice---not all supplements were created equal. According to Harley Goldberg, director of Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program, you should avoid so-called "megavitamins" that surpass the recommended dietary intake amounts unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor.
Purpose
Dietary supplements are intended to give you extra amounts of the nutrients you don't get from the foods you eat. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, these supplements may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other ingredients. Although it's best for you to get your recommended daily nutrient intake from food, taking a supplement is better than going without important nutrients like iron, calcium and vitamin C.
Benefits
Dietary supplements are intended to give you extra amounts of the nutrients you don't get from the foods you eat. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, these supplements may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other ingredients. Although it's best for you to get your recommended daily nutrient intake from food, taking a supplement is better than going without important nutrients like iron, calcium and vitamin C.
Supplement Selection
While the Office of Dietary Supplements does not recommend particular brands, it doesthey do suggest that you buy from manufacturers who have earned seals of approval from one or more consumer watch groups. Although they stress that these seals don't necessarily mean a product is safe or even effective, the ODS notes that a seal does indicate the manufacturer followed proper production procedures and labeled the ingredients correctly. They recommendations you look for is the U.S. Pharmacopeia supplement verification, the NSF International supplement certification or the Consumerlab.com seal of approval.
FDA Regulation
When it comes to dietary supplements, buyer beware. The Food & Drug Administration does not regulate supplements the way it does pharmaceuticals or food products. According to the FDA, the company manufacturing a supplement is responsible for ensuring it's safe for public consumption. Supplements are not tested by the FDA, nor are their claims verified by any government agency before hitting the market. Although manufacturers are supposed to limit themselves to truthful claims, this doesn't always happen in practice. Once a supplement is on the market, however, the FDA does have the power to regulate its advertising and investigate any consumer claims about the product's safety.
Warning
Dietary supplements are not meant to cure illnesses or even prevent them. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, supplements can actually interfere with your regularly prescribed medications or with some health conditions. You should never take a supplement for a purpose other than adding valuable nutrients to your diet. If you're feeling ill or looking for ways to cure an ailment, always see a doctor and follow her instructions, including telling her about any supplements you have been or are considering taking.
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