DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

Dietary supplements are products taken by mouth in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form to supplement your diet. These may include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, amino acids, or other dietary ingredients.

Supplements are available for sale over the counter at your local pharmacy or online without a prescription. Still, you should always check with your doctor before taking any product because some supplements can cause side effects or may  interact with other prescribed medicines or supplements you’re already taking. You should ask your doctor about taking a supplement most especially if you’re pregnant or nursing, about to have surgery, or you have a health condition such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. You also have to be cautious in giving supplement to a child.

Your doctor will tell you if you really need to take up supplements based on your current health. He/She may also provide information about the  benefits and risks of the supplement you are going to take, how much to take, and for how long you should take it.

How do I know whether a supplement’s claims are true or false?

Supplement makers are not allowed to claim their product diagnoses, treats, cures, reduces the symptoms of, or prevents disease. That is why they have a disclaimer statement “No approved therapeutic claim” on the label or box. In this case, you may look for overblown claims such as “totally natural,” “completely safe,” or “miracle cure.” If you’re still unsure of the product, you may ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Does the FDA regulate supplements?

The FDA treats supplements like food rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don’t have to show that their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.

If you experienced side effects after taking the supplement you may report it to your doctor and to the FDA as soon as possible.