What You Need to Know about Dietary Supplements

What are dietary supplements?

Dietary supplements include such ingredients as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. Dietary supplements are marketed in forms such as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, powders, and liquids.

What are the benefits of dietary supplements?

Some supplements can help assure that you get enough of the vital substances the body needs to function; others may help reduce the risk of disease. But supplements should not replace complete meals which are necessary for a healthful diet – so, be sure you eat a variety of foods as well.
Unlike drugs, supplements are not permitted to be marketed for the purpose of treating, diagnosing, preventing, or curing diseases. That means supplements should not make disease claims, such as “lowers high cholesterol” or “treats heart disease.” Claims like these cannot be legitimately made for dietary supplements.

Are there any risks in taking supplements?

Yes. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations and hurt or complicate your health. For example, the following actions could lead to harmful – even life-threatening – consequences.
–    Combining supplements
–    Using supplements with medicines (whether prescription or over-the-counter)
–    Substituting supplements for prescription medicines
–    Taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, or iron
–    Some supplements can also have unwanted effects before, during, and after 
surgery. So, be sure to inform your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist about any supplements you are taking.

Some Common Dietary Supplements
–    Calcium
–    Echinacea
–    Fish Oil
–    Ginseng
–    Glucosamine
–    Vitamin D
–    Ginkgo
–    Green Tea

Sources: FDA