Dietary supplements include vitamins and minerals, as well as herbs, botanicals and other substances. They are growing in popularity and number, but how do you know if you need them or which ones do what?
Some supplements may help ensure that you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients or help promote optimal health and performance if you do not consume a variety of foods. However, dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure disease. In some cases, dietary supplements may have unwanted effects, especially if taken before surgery or with other dietary supplements or medicines, or if you have certain health conditions.
Before you decide to add supplements to your routine, get the facts on what is known about them. Ask a registered dietitian and your physician the following questions about any supplements you are thinking about taking:
- Is the supplement safe and can it cause harm at any level?
- How does the supplement really work in the body?
- What are the claims and are they valid?
- Where did the product information come from?
- Does the supplement actually contain the amounts of ingredients it claims to?
- What is the scientific evidence behind the product?
- How much is recommended and how often should it be taken?
- Will this supplement interact with my medications?
Always keep in mind that optimal health depends on overall healthful eating and physical activity…There is no little magic pill.
