Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs and many other products. They can come as pills, capsules, powders, drinks and energy bars. Some supplements can play an important role in health. For example, calcium and vitamin D are important for keeping bones strong. Pregnant women can take the vitamin folic acid to prevent certain birth defects in their babies. Dietary supplements are meant to improve your diet. But supplements shouldn’t replace the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. People use dietary supplements for a wide variety of reasons. Some people use supplements to boost energy or get a good night’s sleep. Postmenopausal women may use them to respond to a sudden drop in estrogen levels. Unlike drugs, supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases. This means that supplements shouldn’t make claims, such as “reduces arthritic pain” or “treats heart disease.” Only drugs can make claims like these. One of the most common dietary supplements is a multivitamin and mineral supplement. These supplements contain a combination of vitamins and minerals. Different products use different vitamins and minerals. Dietary supplements are also available as stand-alone nutrients, like vitamin C tablets.

Benefits

Some supplements can help you get the proper dietary intake of essential nutrients. Other supplements may help you reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Scientific studies have shown that some dietary supplements may be beneficial for overall health. They may also help to manage some health conditions.

The benefits of dietary supplements vary greatly depending on the nutrients they contain. Folic acid is commonly taken as a dietary supplement. Pregnant women can take the vitamin folic acid to prevent certain birth defects in their babies.

Calcium and vitamin D are two more common supplements. They are important for keeping bones strong and reducing bone loss. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils might help some people with heart disease. Probiotics are another common dietary supplement. These products may be used to help with a variety of gastrointestinal conditions.

Risks

Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong effects on the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations. They may be harmful to your health.

Taking supplements if you have diabetes, high blood pressure and other health problems may increase your risk for side effects. Make sure to talk to your physician before beginning any dietary supplements.

Some supplements can also have unwanted side effects, for example, before, during and after surgery. They may increase the risk of bleeding or affect a person’s response to anesthesia. Be sure to tell your physician about any supplements you are taking before surgery.

Some risks of dietary supplements are caused by not taking the supplements properly. You should never substitute supplements for prescription medicines or take more than the recommended amount. This could lead to life-threatening consequences.

Taking too much of some supplements can also be harmful to your health. For example, too much vitamin A can cause headaches and liver damage, reduce bone strength and cause birth defects. Excess iron causes nausea and vomiting, as well as damage to the liver and other organs.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should be cautious about taking dietary supplements. Supplements other than a basic multivitamin shouldn’t be given to children.

Safety Considerations

Make sure you are aware of the potential benefits and risks before you begin taking a dietary supplement. Read trustworthy information about the supplement.

Check with your physician before you take any supplements as they can help you determine whether a supplement is healthy for you.

Always check with your physician before:

Combining supplements.
Using supplements with any medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Don't take a bigger dose than the label recommends. Also, keep in mind that some ingredients found in dietary supplements are added to a growing number of foods. As a result, you may be getting more of these ingredients than you think.

Just because something is said to be natural doesn’t mean it is either safe or good for you. It could have side effects. Always be aware of possible side effects, especially when taking a new product. Stop taking it if you have side effects.

Talking to your physician before you begin any dietary supplement can help reduce the risks of taking dietary supplements.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional. It is important that you rely on the advice of a healthcare professional for your specific condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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