Dietary supplements are preparations intended to provide medicinal or nutritional benefits when taken as part of a healthy diet. The quality of ingredients in dietary supplements is vital to their overall effectiveness and safety. While manufacturers are required to display ingredients on the label, supplements are not regulated by the FDA and may contain unknown impurities or ingredients. Understanding the risks and benefits of ingredients in dietary supplements enables consumers to make educated choices regarding their use.
Types
With the growing number of supplements on the market today, walking down the vitamin aisle can be overwhelming. The term "dietary supplement" encompasses a wide array of products, including herbs, vitamins and minerals, amino acids and enzymes. These substances are sold in the form of tablets, capsules, powders and liquids. Supplements are often advertised as general health tonics or symptom relievers due to FDA guidelines prohibiting unproven claims about treating or preventing disease. Vitamin C, fish oil, gingko biloba and garlic are just a few of the widely used dietary supplements available over-the-counter.
Active Ingredients
Active ingredients are the substances that produce intended effects in supplements. Herbal products contain plant compounds like allicin in garlic and capsaicin in cayenne pepper, while nutritional supplements contain vitamins, minerals or other essential nutrients. Supplements containing whole plant ingredients are often standardized to contain a specific amount of active compounds in each serving.
Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients are inert substances with no medicinal or nutritional effects. These ingredients are present in small amounts and serve as delivery mechanisms for the active ingredients or as coloring agents to enhance a supplement's appearance. Magnesium stearate, FD&C dyes, gelatin and polyethylene glycol are common examples of inactive ingredients found in dietary supplements.
Supplement Labels
Supplement makers are required to list all ingredients under the 'Supplement Facts' heading on product labels, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Other information such as directions for use, daily values and serving size can also be found on supplement labels, along with any warnings or precautions regarding its safety.
Considerations
Because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, they may contain unknown ingredients and contaminants. The National Institutes of Health states that anabolic steroids, ephedrine and other drugs not listed on supplement labels have been found in over-the-counter dietary supplements. To reduce these risks, look for the U.S. Pharmacopeia seal of approval on the label.
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