Different Dietary Supplements

One in five Americans uses dietary supplements to enhance well-being, notes the "Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine." While some dietary supplements provide necessary nutrient, some others are unproven, ineffective or even dangerous. Do not use dietary supplements as a substitute for a balanced diet or for conventional medical care. Use them only under the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner.

Herbal Supplements

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, herbal supplements are made from botanicals, plant or plant parts used for flavoring, scent, medicinal or therapeutic purposes. The safety of a herbal supplement depends on its chemical properties, its preparation, its interactions in the body, and the dose utilized. While some herbal supplements are gentle in action, others have potent effects. For example, chamomile tea is a mild and generally harmless relaxant, while kava has powerful and immediate anti-anxiety effects. Consult a qualified health care practitioner before adding herbal supplements to your regimen.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients needed by the body in tiny amounts for normal growth, development and health maintenance. A varied, healthy diet based on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk products, unrefined grains and unsaturated fats is usually adequate to supply all the necessary vitamins and minerals, according to the American Dietetic Association. People who cannot absorb food properly or who have certain health problems may require vitamin and mineral supplements to bridge any nutritional gaps. Vegetarians, pregnant women, nursing women and women who may become pregnant may also benefit from vitamin and mineral supplements. Ask your physician if vitamin and mineral supplements are appropriate for you.

Probiotic Supplements

Probiotic supplements are made with tiny living organisms, usually bacteria similar to those that are naturally present in the gut that are believed to be beneficial for human health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotic formulations may be useful in the treatment of conditions such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome and atopic dermatitis. If you are considering the use of a probiotic product, talk to your physician first.

Harmful Dietary Supplements

Despite the fact that they are often characterized as "natural," some dietary supplements are potentially dangerous. For example, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns that the herbal supplement borage contains substances that are harmful to the liver, and that sassafras contains cancer-causing compounds. Even supplements generally considered to be harmless may be inappropriate in certain situations. Those who are under 18 or over 65 should refrain from using dietary supplements unless advised otherwise by a doctor, because they may metabolize dietary supplements differently from the average adult, requiring adjustments in dosages. Likewise, patients who are scheduled for surgery should stay away from supplements, since some may inhibit blood clotting, cause prolonged sedation or interfere with wound healing.