Dietary supplements can be beneficial to your health, but
taking supplements can also carry health risks. The US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to review the safety and efficacy
of dietary supplements before they are marketed.
You've heard of them, may have used them, and may even have
recommended them to friends or family. While some dietary supplements are known
and well established, others need further study. Read on for important
information about dietary supplements for you and your family.
Before making decisions about whether to take a health supplement, talk with your
healthcare provider. They can help you strike a balance between the foods and
nutrients that you personally need.
What are
dietary supplements?
Dietary supplements include ingredients such as vitamins,
minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. Dietary supplements come in the form
of tablets, capsules, softgels, gel caps, powders, and liquids.
What are the
benefits of dietary supplements?
Some supplements like Okinawa review can help ensure that
you get enough vital substances that the body needs to function; others can
help reduce the risk of disease. But diet
supplement shouldn't replace the whole meals that are necessary for a
healthy diet, so be sure to eat a variety of foods as well.
Unlike drugs, supplements are not allowed to be marketed for
the purpose of treating, diagnosing, preventing or curing diseases. That means natural supplement should not make
disease claims, such as "lowers high cholesterol" or "treats heart
disease." Claims like these cannot legitimately be made for dietary
supplements.
Are there
any risks when taking supplements?
Yes. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have
strong biological effects on the body. This could make them unsafe in some
situations and harm or complicate their health. For example, the following
actions could have harmful, even life-threatening consequences.
·
Combining supplements
·
Using supplements with medications (either
prescription or over-the-counter)
·
Substituting Prescription Drugs for Supplements
·
Taking too many 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 tell your healthcare provider,
including your pharmacist, about any supplements you are taking.
Manufacturers can add vitamins, minerals, and other
supplement ingredients to the foods you eat, especially breakfast cereals and
drinks. As a result, you may be getting more of these ingredients than you
think, and more may not be better. Taking more than you need costs more and can
also increase your risk of side effects. For example, too much vitamin A can
cause headaches and liver damage, reduce bone strength, and cause birth
defects. Too much iron causes nausea and vomiting and can damage the liver and
other organs.
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