Diet Supplement Facts

Dietary supplements are more than the familiar name brand vitamins you buy; they're also the herbs and botanicals that purport to treat whatever ails you, from hot flashes to heart disease. Dietary supplements, as defined by federal law and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are just foods. Taking dietary supplements ensures that you get your essential nutrients and may even help to prevent certain diseases. However, the FDA and Office of Dietary Supplements, or ODS, warns that dietary supplements should never be used like medicine. In fact, you should talk to a doctor before you start taking a supplement for any reason.

What Are They?

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, or DSHEA, provides the definition of "dietary supplement" used by federal legislators. Dietary supplements are taken by mouth and contain one or more "dietary ingredients" used to supplement your daily diet. Ingredients can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and others, such as metabolites and enzymes. This definition encompasses many different forms of dietary supplements -- capsules, tablets, liquids, powders and bars. "Natural" supplements that contain evening primrose, bitter orange, St. John's wort, chamomile, goldenseal, and even common household spices such as cinnamon, ginger and turmeric, are also considered dietary supplements.

Dietary Supplement Use

People take dietary supplements for various reasons -- many simply want to know that they're getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals each day. However, the FDA notes that it's important to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet; supplements are not meant to replace specific nutrients you don't get from your food. Some dietary supplements can be beneficial if you have specific health concerns. The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, points out that calcium can reduce your risk for osteoporosis. Similarly, some evidence points to St. John's wort as being of benefit to those who suffer from depression. However, if you're curious about whether what you hear about a vitamin, mineral or herb is true, get the scoop from a reputable source, such as the ODS, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or your doctor.

Supplement Cautions

Dietary supplements aren't necessarily safe, not even those that purport to be "natural." The FDA notes that taking dietary supplements can have serious and even life-threatening outcomes if you take them with certain medications, take a combination of supplements, use them in place of the drugs your doctor recommends, or when you take too many of them. They can cause unwanted side effects and may not be appropriate for people with specific medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you take dietary supplements, especially if you're about to undergo surgery.

Regulatory Authority

The FDA has regulatory oversight over dietary supplements. However, while new medications must pass the FDA's rigorous approval process, the manufacturer of dietary supplements takes responsibility for the safety of the product before it goes on the market. If there's doubt that a certain dietary supplement is unsafe to consumers, the FDA can then take action by pulling it from the shelves or otherwise restricting its use. The FTC is the regulatory authority for product advertising and makes sure that the sales pitch you get from the internet, print publications, infomercials, radio and television ads and direct mail doesn't contain false or misleading information about the dietary supplement marketed.

Smart Supplement Shopping

Health fraud is always a concern when it comes to dietary supplement marketing claims, and according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, elderly individuals are particularly susceptible. The FDA urges you to take note of marketing tactics used by unscrupulous supplement marketers. Avoid products that claim they treat or cure an impressive number of medical conditions or that you'll get relief "in days." Personal testimonials used in advertising are another tip-off. "Natural," "revolutionary" and "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back" are other terms supplement marketers use to garner your interest. As the FDA notes, supplement marketers often use extremely sophisticated marketing techniques to peddle a useless product. Do as the ODS advises: Don't self-diagnose, and don't use dietary supplements to address your health concerns. Talk to your doctor instead.