What I Must Know About Vitamins, Minerals & Herbs

Vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements are classified by the FDA as dietary supplements, defined in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 as "a product taken by mouth that contains a 'dietary ingredient' intended to supplement the diet." They word "supplement" is key. These products are not intended to treat disease or to substitute for a healthy, balanced diet.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that the body requires in minute amounts. With few exceptions, vitamins are not synthesized within the body and must be obtained through dietary means. Not getting enough vitamins in the diet causes avitaminosis, disease caused by vitamin deficiency. For example, a lack of vitamin A causes night blindness, while a lack of vitamin D causes the softening of the bones known as rickets. A varied, nutritious diet based on proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and small amounts of healthy fats contains all the vitamins necessary for human health, according to the American Dietetic Association. Vitamin supplements may be appropriate, however, for people who cannot or will not consume a balanced diet. Consult a qualified health professional before adding vitamin supplements to your daily regimen.

Minerals

Minerals are similar to vitamins in that they are necessary for human health in very small quantities. However, minerals are inorganic elements with a simpler chemical structure than vitamins. Minerals originate in the earth. We get our dietary minerals from plants, which absorb minerals as they grow, from mineral-containing water and by eating animals that obtained minerals from other plants or animals in turn. Adequate dietary minerals, like vitamins, are present in a nutritious balanced diet. For those who do not eat well, a good multivitamin with minerals can fill in any gaps. Use vitamin and mineral supplements under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.

Herbs

Herbs have been used for health purposes for all of recorded history. Although they are a component of complementary and alternative medicine, they are vital in conventional medicine as well. Many of the active ingredients in powerful pharmaceutical drugs are derived from herbs. For example, taxol, an anti-cancer agent, is made from the yew tree. According to the book "Nature's Pharmacy" by pharmacist Lynn Walker, alternative practitioners argue that whole herbs are safer and more therapeutic than their isolated ingredients. However, pharmaceutical drugs generally have a quicker rate of onset and stronger effects. Consult with a qualified health care practitioner before using herbs for any health condition.

Considerations

Vitamins, minerals and herbs are not subject to the same strict regulations as pharmaceutical drugs. Supplement manufacturers are responsible for regulating their own products, ensuring that they are safe and that their claims are not misleading. The FDA typically only gets involved after complaints have been received. This is in contrast to pharmaceutical companies, who must submit proof of their products' safety and effectiveness to the FDA before they can be marketed. "Buyer beware" is a good phrase to remember when shopping for supplements.