Minerals, Vitamins & Herbs

About one in five people in the United States uses herbs and other dietary supplements for disease prevention and wellness, according to the "Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine." While often valuable, supplements such as minerals, vitamins and herbs are not adequate substitutes for a healthy lifestyle, a varied diet and plenty of exercise. Ask a qualified health-care professional which minerals, vitamins and herbs are right for you.

Minerals

Dietary minerals, inorganic elements required for human health in small amounts, are classified in two groups. The first group consists of the macrominerals. Macrominerals are abundantly found in the body, and required in the diet in quantities greater than 100 mg daily. Trace minerals, which are equally important for physiological functioning, are required in smaller amounts. According to The Micronutrient Initiative, a non-profit organization, severe mineral deficiencies are rare in the industrialized world, where staple foods such as flour are commonly fortified with minerals and vitamins. However, even people in industrialized nations can suffer from mild to moderate mineral deficiencies. For example, many women do not get enough calcium in their diets, a situation that can lead to osteoporosis and bone loss. Consult a qualified health care professional if you are considering adding mineral supplements to your daily regimen.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for human growth, development and health maintenance. The precise daily requirements for vitamins continue to be debated by scientists, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Early recommendations for vitamin requirements were based on the amount necessary to prevent vitamin deficiency diseases such as pellagra, a serious metabolic disease caused by a lack of vitamin B-3, and rickets, a softening of the bones caused by a lack of vitamin D. However, some scientists now believe that vitamin deficiencies may also play a role in cancer, heart disease and vision loss. The Harvard School of Public Health suggests a daily multivitamin-multimineral pill as insurance against any micronutrient gaps in your diet.

Herbs

Herbs have been used throughout recorded history to safeguard human health. They are not just employed by traditional healers and herbalists. Plants and plant parts still are widely used in the manufacture of conventional pharmaceutical drugs. For example, taxol, a potent chemotherapy drug, is derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree. The use of herbs for healing is not without risk. Some can be toxic or interfere with prescribed medicines. Use herbs under the supervision of a qualified health-care professional.

Regulation of Minerals, Vitamins and Herbs

Packaged minerals, vitamins and herbs all fall under the category of dietary supplements. While the Food and Drug Administration is responsible for dietary supplement regulation, the rules for these products are not as strict as those that govern pharmaceutical drugs. Pharmaceutical manufacturers need to rigorously test their products and file proof with the FDA that their products are safe and effective before they can be sold. While packagers of minerals, vitamins and herbs are supposed to ensure that their products are safe, there is no requirement that they seek clearance from the FDA before their products go to market. Do your own research before using vitamins, minerals and herbs. Your physician is the best source of advice.