“The Good & Bad in Dietary Supplements” HW499 Mark Belton

What is considered a supplement? A dietary supplement comes in the forms of: tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, powders and liquids A dietary supplement can contain: vitamins,minerals,herbs,amino acids and enzymes Dietary supplements include such ingredients as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. Dietary supplements are marketed in forms such as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, powders, and liquids for easy consumption.( FDA, 2017) 17)

What are some known dietary supplements? Calcium Echinacea Fish Oil Ginseng Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin Sulphate Garlic Vitamin D St. John’s Wort Saw Palmetto Ginkgo Green Tea Just as few of the well known and used supplements found in a plethora of stores globally: Calcium, Echinacea, Fish Oil,Ginseng,Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin Sulphate,Garlic,Vitamin D, St. John’s Wort,Saw Palmetto,Ginkgo,Green Tea.( FDA, 2017)

What are the health benefits? Weight loss Balance of vitamins and minerals needed in the body Hormonal balance The health benefits are numerous and have been noted but according to the FDA “supplements are not permitted to be marketed for the purpose of treating, diagnosing, preventing, or curing diseases.” Many health benefits have been noted throughout history from weight loss to lowering cholesterol and blood pressure but supplements cannot be marketed as a “drug” to make such claims. .( FDA, 2017)

What are some of the risk? Combining supplements Using supplements with medicines prescription or over-the-counter. Substituting supplements for prescription medicines Taking too much of some 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 inform your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist about any supplements you are taking. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations and hurt or complicate your health. For example, the following actions could lead to harmful – even life-threatening – consequences. .( FDA, 2017)

What are the consequences of misusing supplements? Nausea, vomiting, weakness, paralysis, breathing and heart problems Seizures, heart arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, Kidney problems, liver damage, Raised blood pressure, headaches, panic attacks,  Death The consequences of misusing dietary supplements are many and these are just to name a few , from nausea to death. (CR, 2017)

How can we prevent risk of supplements? Be a educated consumer Research the manufacturer Be selective when shopping online only use non-commercial sites Beware of claims that sound” to good to be true” Ask your healthcare provider if supplement is safe for your consumption? Be a educated consumer and know what you are putting in your body and if you even need it. Research the manufacturer make sure they have a great history and standard in the production of there supplements. When shopping online use trusted sites that are not simply trying to make a sell. If the claim sounds to good to be true it probably is false. Always get clearance from your healthcare provider especially if you are on any type of medication or health regimine.

Fact: FDA is not authorized to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. FDA is not authorized to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed.

conclusion So as consumers we protect ourselves through education and implementing safe practices. So as consumers we protect ourselves through education and implementing safe practices. Safety always comes first!

References: CR. (2017, March 21). 15 Supplement ingredients to Always Avoid. Retrieved from Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/vitamins-supplements/15-supplement-ingredients-to-always-avoid/ FDA. (2017, November 29). Dietary Supplements: What you need to Know. Retrieved from U.S. Food & Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109760.htm