For busy people and dieters on restricted eating plans, diet supplements and vitamin pills can serve as an insurance policy against various complications related to nutritional deficiencies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, multivitamins are effective diet supplements and are designed for specific groups, such as men, women, seniors and those worried about specific conditions such as heart disease or vision loss.
Features
A dietary supplement is designed to supplement a balanced diet and contains dietary ingredients such as vitamins, herbs, minerals or amino acids. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, diet supplements are designed to be taken orally in pill or capsule form, as a liquid or powder. The most common dietary supplements include fish oil, flaxseed oil, echinacea and ginseng.
Usage
To get the maximum advantage from your daily multivitamin, you should cut it in half and take one half in the morning and the other half at night, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Because certain fat-soluble vitamins such a vitamin E and D are lost through urination within about 12 hours of taking it, you can reap the most benefits from splitting it up.
Effects
Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic on the other hand do not recommend herbal dietary supplements for a number of reasons. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the government and have not undergone scientific research as extensively as vitamins. Risks and side effects of herbal supplements include drug interactions, heart problems, reduced blood pressure and internal bleeding. You should always tell your doctor about any dietary supplements you are taking to avoid interactions with your current treatment.
Benefits
Dietary supplements should not be used to replace a balanced, healthy diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. For those on a restricted diet or who have certain medical conditions, diet supplements can be useful. Those who can benefit from supplements include patients with chronic diarrhea, gallbladder problems or food intolerances. Women who are pregnant, who menstruate heavily or are postmenopausal usually can benefit from supplements. People on a vegetarian diet or those who consume fewer than 1,500 calories a day also may need to supplement their diet.
Warning
You should read and follow the directions on the labels of dietary supplements to make sure you are getting what you expect. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can find the active ingredients listed on the labels as well as serving size and expiration date. Avoid supplements that do not have a USP label that ensures the product meets standards set by the testing organization, U.S. Pharmacopeia. Avoid supplements that provide more than 100 percent of the recommended daily dosage to prevent complications and side effects.
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