The Smart and Safe Use of Vitamins and Supplements. What are dietary supplements? The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) defines a dietary supplement as a product that: supplements the food you eat; contains one or more dietary ingredient (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids, and other substances); comes in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form; andis labeled as a dietary supplement. There are different types of dietary, or nutritional, supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements are types of dietary supplements containing micronutrients meant to help a body function smoothly and improve mental health. Herbal (or botanical) supplements are dietary supplements that have a medicinal purpose. Herbal supplements generally support a specific area of the body’s health, such as the liver, bones or skin. Health benefits of vitamin and mineral supplements (micronutrients)Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that serve a specific purpose and benefit the body in a unique way. For example, vitamin A supports vision and bone growth, whereas vitamin E strengthens the immune system and helps repair DNA. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can impair the body’s ability to heal and protect itself. Micronutrients can also have an effect on mental health. Studies in New Zealand have shown that using micronutrients in appropriate doses can help treat depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and PTSD and trauma. Taking micronutrient supplements won’t make up for an unhealthy diet, though. The basis of healthy eating should always be a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, fish and low in processed, fried, sugary, and refined foods. However, some people may benefit from extra nutrients found in a supplement. A general multivitamin and mineral supplement can also be a good safeguard against periodic nutrient shortfalls in your diet. Herbal supplements. Herbal supplements are different from vitamin and mineral supplements in that they are considered to have medicinal value. Herbs, also known as botanicals, are one of humanity's oldest health care tools, and the basis of many modern medicines. Primitive and ancient civilizations relied on herbs for healing, as do many contemporary cultures throughout the world. In fact, the World Health Organization has estimated that 8. If you are taking other medications, refrain from taking herbal supplements without first checking with your doctor. Herbal supplements and over- the- counter medications or prescription drugs can combine to cause adverse side effects. Just because an herbal supplement is extracted from a “natural” source does not render it any less potent than any other chemicals you may ingest. While the product makers claim this makes them better absorbed and more potent than conventional supplements, so far there is little independent analysis to back up such claims. Whole food supplements tend to be much more expensive than conventional supplements and there are currently no regulations for the term . As with any supplement, it. A multivitamin helps provide a consistent source of the necessary vitamins and micronutrients. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, . Even the best supplement is no substitute for good nutrition. In many Western countries, people tend to consume foods that are high in calories, but lack nutrients that are vital for good health. Some groups of people, because of distinct nutritional needs, benefit most from taking a vitamin and mineral supplement: Women of childbearing age (need extra calcium and iron)Pregnant or lactating women. Children and teenagers with irregular eating habits. Seniors. Vegetarians or vegans (may be deficient in key nutrients)Dieters or people avoiding certain food groups (may be deficient in key nutrients)People with eating disorders or medical conditions (deficiency diseases, absorption problems, lactose intolerance, etc.)People who often eat processed and fast food. Ensuring smart supplementation. The word “supplement” means. In this case, you’re “adding” to a basic healthy diet and lifestyle, or to a prescription medication or therapy to treat a medical condition. An herbal supplement or vitamin regimen on its own will not necessarily cure or treat your condition or heath problem. It’s also important to remember that not all supplements are beneficial, especially when taken in toxic doses or combined with other medications. The media loves exciting headlines, so the moment an herb or vitamin is tentatively shown to be beneficial in some way, it is touted as the next miracle cure. Advertising can be misleading as well, promising us “totally safe”, “natural”, and “quick and effective” solutions to many health problems. You can keep yourself from falling prey to false promises by researching any product you are considering taking. Make sure there is good scientific research that supports the claims of the supplement’s marketers. Before you decide to take a dietary supplement, ask yourself: Do I need this supplement? Do I know that this supplement is safe? Does this supplement interact with any drug or food I am consuming? Do I know that this supplement works? Can I afford this supplement? Do I know enough about this supplement? Be sure to consult your health practitioner before purchasing or taking any supplement if you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Also, while vitamin and mineral supplements are generally considered safe for children, you may wish to check with your doctor before giving these or any other dietary supplements to your child. Homeopathic vs. Herbal Supplements: What’s in a name? In the U. S., homeopathic medicines are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but in different ways than other drugs. Manufacturers of homeopathic drugs are deferred from submitting new drug applications to FDA and their products are exempt from good manufacturing practice requirements. However, homeopathic drugs in solid oral dosage form must have an imprint that identifies the manufacturer, the active ingredient, and dosage strength, and indicates that the drug is homeopathic. Herbal remedies are made from parts of whole plants. Herbal supplements are not regulated as medicines by the FDA and thus can make unsubstantiated health claims. In many cases dietary supplements and homeopathic remedies can be marketed without providing evidence of safety or efficacy. In order for a product to get removed from the shelves in the United States, for example, the FDA must prove that it is dangerous – and that is often to the detriment of the consumer. Supplement manufacturers are allowed to make claims regarding health, nutritional content, and structure/function, subject only to limited restrictions. Health claims describe a relationship between a dietary supplement ingredient and reducing the risk of a disease or health- related condition. For example, the label on a bottle of Evening Primrose Oil capsules might claim that the product, . A. structure/function claim is a statement describing how a product may affect the organs or systems of the body. It can't mention a specific disease. And remember, just because it is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s gentler or more beneficial to your body. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects and their safety is not assured. Caution: Interactions with other medications. Some dietary supplements may interact with other supplements or prescription and over- the- counter medicines. Taking a combination of supplements or using the products with medications (whether prescription or OTC drugs) can cause dangerous interactions which could be life- threatening. Some common negative interactions: Calcium can interact with heart medicine, certain diuretics, and aluminum and magnesium- containing antacids. Magnesium can interact with certain diuretics, some cancer drugs, and magnesium- containing antacids. Vitamin K can interact with blood thinners like Coumadin. St. John's Wort is known to adversely affect selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs (i. Coenzyme Q- 1. 0 can interact with anticoagulants, blood pressure medication, and chemotherapy drugs. Ginkgo biloba and vitamin E can increase the risk for internal bleeding when taken with aspirin or anitcoagulants such as warfarin. Ginseng can also increase the risk for internal bleeding when taken with anticoagulants or NSAIDs, and may cause side effects when taken with MAOI antidepressants. Echinacea can change how the body breaks down certain medications in the liver. Saw palmetto can interact with anticoagulants and NSAID pain relievers. Best weight loss supplements that are safe . Free Custom Weight Loss Programs best weight loss supplements that are safe, Healthy Today! 5 Things To Know About Safety of Dietary Supplements for. The Truth About Diet Pills. Can popping a pill be a shortcut. Here's your guide to some popular choices and what you need to know to play it safe. Dietary Supplements The Smart and Safe Use of Vitamins and Supplements. Talk with your doctor about. Some dietary supplements are known to be dangerous. Just because a product is on the market does not mean it is definitely safe. There are some known toxic herbs that are still available to the consumer, such as. U. S., China, Europe, and Japan). Some supplements combine different vitamins or herbs, or include hidden ingredients, often labeling them as simply “energy boosters,” “fat- burning products,” or. The combination of some of these ingredients can cause significant liver damage. Aside from a daily multi- vitamin, it’s much safer to choose supplements that contain just the single ingredient your body needs. Dietary supplements and liver damage. Some supplements in the U. S. According to one study, about 2. Emergency Room each year are attributed to dietary supplements, and the most common consequence is liver damage. Weight- loss and muscle building supplements carry the highest risk. Source: Environmental Nutrition. More isn’t always better. Even if your body can benefit from a certain supplement, in excessive doses it may still cause health problems. For example, drinking green tea may provide fat- burning and antioxidant benefits, but taking high- concentration. Taking too much. vitamin E may increase the risk for prostate cancer. Diet supplements that work and are safe The reason Garcinia is taken before dishes has to do with the truth that it's an appetite appetite suppressant. Overview of dietary supplements and the FDA's. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before. Find out which dietary supplements should be. Lose weight through diet and. Can I take supplements on. Some supplement ingredients have been.
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