Dietary supplements and health food are both terms created in modern times. Before the mass drive to produce, package and ship products, there were very few regulations on food items. The surge in new dietary supplements has increased since the creation of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act went into effect in 1994, which expanded the definition of what "supplement" means by including any substance that is used to supplement a diet. This rewording led to the manufacture and marketing of many new dietary supplements.
History of U.S. Food Regulation
The first governmental regulatory office in the United States. was established in 1848 in order to provide chemical analysis of agricultural products. The Department of Agriculture took over the job in 1862, and became the Food and Drug Administration in 1930. The past century has seen significant changes regarding the science of food production, but the mission has remained the same: to protect consumers and provide them with accurate information.
U.S. Supplemental Regulation
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, DSHEA, is an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1994. Prior to this, governmental regulations regarding the manufacturing, labeling and marketing of dietary supplements was mediocre at best. This amendment gives the Food and Drug Administration the authority to monitor and regulate supplements and to bring disciplinary action against manufacturers who release unsafe products or make claims that are false or misleading.
Benefits of Health Food
According to the Mayo Clinic, healthy whole food are the best sources for the micronutrients the body needs for proper growth and function. Whole foods provide natural micro-nutritional benefits through certain vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers that are essential in maintaining health and fighting off disease, but which are lacking in supplements. Whole foods also provide protective compounds, such as phytochemicals and antioxidants, which are thought to protect against diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.
When to Use Supplements
People with certain dietary restrictions may benefit from supplement use. Specific diets such as vegan may require using supplements to get essential nutrients such as iron to make up for missing dietary components. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will usually provide the body with proper nutrition. However, certain situations such as pregnancy, heavy menstrual cycles or a medical condition, may require the use of supplements. Post-operative patients, who have had digestive tract surgery that affects nutrient absorption, may be in need of supplemental nutrition.
Considerations
It should be noted that some supplements may cause side effects or negatively interact with certain medications. When taking supplements, follow the instructions on the label except when varied by a medical professional. You should store supplements in a secure location where children do not have access. Be sure to check for alerts periodically through the website of the Food and Drug Administration. Consult with your physician or dietitian before implementing supplements as part of your diet.
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