In the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the U.S. Congress defined what a dietary supplement actually is. It is a product, taken by mouth, that contains a dietary ingredient -- among other things, vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, animal products, enzymes -- meant to supplement a diet deficient in some way. They are not meant to be replacements for medication or nutrition received from food, so seek the advice of your physician before adding any dietary supplements to your daily diet.
Available Forms and Labeling
Dietary supplements are available as a tablet, capsule, snack-type bar, powder, and liquid extract. Every dietary supplement must carry a label that states the name of the product and defines it as a "supplement." The label must list the quantity in the package, recommended dosage and directions for use. The name and address of the product manufacturer must be clearly visible. The nutritional facts panel must include the scientific and common names of the product and what percentage of the recommended daily value the supplement provides. This panel also provides information on what plant part is used, the individual components of a blended supplement and a list of non-dietary ingredients.
Who Needs to Take a Dietary Supplement
If you eat a nutritious diet containing plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, legumes, lean meats and fish, you probably don't need a dietary supplement. Medical reasons for taking dietary supplements include diseases affecting the absorption or use of nutrients and surgical removal of part of the intestines. If you eat a nutritionally poor diet or consume less than 1,600 calories per day, your doctor may prescribe a dietary supplement. Vegetarians, vegans, and pregnant, breastfeeding or post-menopausal woman may also require dietary supplementation.
Choosing a Safe Product
Dietary supplements do not require an effectiveness and safety approval by the government. The manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their products. There are some things you can do as the consumer to buy wisely. First, read the label carefully. Choose a supplement from a reputable manufacturer. Look for the USP Verified Mark from the U.S. Pharmacopeia on the label. The U.S. Pharmacopeia is a standards-setting authority that provides a voluntary testing program to evaluate healthcare and food products for strength, purity and quality. Also, always check the expiration date; never take any supplement past its expiration date.
Precautions
Always check with your physician before taking any dietary supplement. If you have diabetes, heart disease or another medical condition, take them only under your doctor's direct supervision. There are sometimes side effects associated with taking dietary supplements, and combining dietary supplements or taking too many can be harmful. They can interact with prescription medications and other dietary supplements, so advise your doctor of everything you are taking. Contact the manufacturer if you want more information about a specific product.
References
- U.S. FDA: Overview of Dietary Supplements
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplements Background Information
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Supplements: Nutrition in a Pill?
- U.S. FDA: Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know
- U.S. Pharmacopeia: The USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
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