is there nutritional value in taking nutritional supplements? Bridget Roberts Kaplan University Welcome! My name is Bridget Roberts. I am a Health and Wellness Coordinator at the local YMCA in North Kingstown, RI; a massage therapist; and a personal trainer. I know that we have heard good things and bad things about nutritional supplements. I am guilty of using some of these supplements in order to stay full and energized. I will be discussing the major points of what supplements are, what types there are, the purpose, who uses them, the dangers and concerns, recommendations from the FDA, true concerns, and resources to find more information. I ask that you please leave questions and comments as well as personal stories to the end of the presentation. Thank you! Let’s get started.

What are nutritional supplements? Nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, meal supplements, sports nutrition products, natural food supplements, and other related products used to boost the nutritional content of the diet (Thefreedictonary.com, 2014). Nutritional supplements include an abundance of the necessities for our bodies. These include; vitamins, minerals, and herbs. These three components of nutrition is what everyone strives to receive each and every day. Nutritional supplements can be helpful to boost content of individuals diet. By using supplements individuals receive the daily doses of vitamins, minerals, and herbs because they cannot receive them through food. However, for those that use supplements; sports, meal supplements are mainly used in order to feel fuller and more energized during the day. There are many different types of supplements out there to be used in order to receive the nutritional boost to one’s diet.

What types are there? Powders Bars Liquids Pills Capsules As stated before many people use supplements to obtain nutritional boosts for their diets. These boosts can come from protein powders, protein and fiber bars, liquids, pills and capsules. Pills and capsules can be used to obtain vitamins, minerals and herbs for the body. They can also be used for weight loss; many of us have probably heard of alli, slim-1, hydroxycut and so many more. Liquids, bars, and powders are used for energy, protein, fiber as well as to help the body absorb the nutrients of vitamins and minerals. I can tell you a personal story about the use of protein bars and liquids. To begin; I have lost a total of 100 pounds in a little bit over 2 years. In order to replenish my body with the nutrients that I burned off through my workouts I used protein bars and protein shakes. These shakes and bars were Special K brand and were FDA approved. The one thing that you will learn later on in this presentation is that the FDA does not support many of the different supplements that are being used. Within these powders, bars, liquids, pills and capsules are many different vitamins and minerals that are common uses of dietary supplements. Some of these common dietary supplements used include: Acidophilus Echinacea, Fiber, Ginger, Glucosamine and/or Chonodroitin Sulphate, Minerals, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, St. John's Wort, Saw Palmetto, and Vitamins (FDA, 2013).

Purpose of Nutritional Supplements Nutritional supplements are used for many purposes. They can be added to the diet to boost overall health and energy; to provide immune system support and reduce the risks of illness and age-related conditions; to improve performance in athletic and mental activities; and to support the healing process during illness and disease. However, most of these products are treated as food and not regulated as drugs are (thefreedictonary.com, 2014). What is the purpose of these supplements? Some individuals have their reasons for using them, however the main usage of nutritional supplements is because the diet of an individual does not have the proper beneficial food and liquids. The purpose of anything can be due to individual’s views and needs. Many use these supplements in order to boost their health and energy, to help the immune system with support, and reduce risks of illness. Also, many athletes use supplements in order to improve their performance and nourish the body after a vigorous workout or exercise.

Who uses them? Athletes Individuals trying to lose weight Weight lifters Vegetarians Individuals who do not receive the correct amount of nutrients and vitamins As in the previous slide, I mentioned that athletes use these types of supplements to nourish their bodies. Along with athletes, individuals who are trying to lose weight may use protein and fiber supplements to feel fuller and move things along in order to be successful in the long run. Also, many weight lifters use protein to nourish and replenish the body with nutrients to aid the body in repairing itself. In addition, vegetarians and other individuals who may not receive and absorb the correct amount of vitamins and minerals may use supplements to have overall better health.

Dangers Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body Using supplements with medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter) Substituting supplements for prescription medicines Taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron (FDA.gov, 2013) Although there are many people who take supplements this is not without risk. There are many dangers to the body and it’s systems when taking supplements of this type. As stated above, individual’s use dietary supplements as a means of meeting nutritional guidelines. Without the guidance of a nutritional specialist or MD.The toll that taking these supplements has on the body may cause damage that may not be repaired.

Dangers that can be surprising Supplements are not risk-free Some supplements are really prescription drugs You can overdose on vitamins and minerals You can’t depend on warning labels None are proved to cure major diseases Heart and cancer protection are not proved You may not need supplements at all (consumersreports.org, 2012) The danger of these supplements has not been advertised nor has it been 100% approved by the FDA. Knowing these facts should place a question in one’s mind prior to consuming them. It is important to weigh benefits vs. risks in any situation regarding health.

The Good, Bad and the Ugly... Protein supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Etcheverry, P. ,2011). Excessive usage of supplements can cause buildups in the body Supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases. Used as a substance by man to supplement the diet by increasing total dietary intake (FDA.gov, 2013) Isn’t this enough said?

Recommendations from the FDA Watch out for false statements like:  A quick and effective "cure-all" Can treat or cure diseases "Totally safe" or has "no side effects" Be aware that the term natural doesn't always mean safe. Don't assume that even if a product may not help you, at least it won't hurt you. When searching for supplements on the Web, use the sites of respected organizations, rather than doing blind searches. Ask your health-care provider for help in distinguishing between reliable and questionable information. Always remember — safety first! Ask yourself does it sound too good to be true? (FDA.gov, 2013) Due to the fact that not all supplements are approved by the federal government; following the FDA recommendations is the best advice for individuals who are wanting to take supplements.

Resources for more information See Health Fraud Scams for general information on fraudulent dietary supplements. See the FDA's Tainted Supplements page for a list of some of the potentially hazardous dietary supplements marketed to consumers. The FDA has many resources for individuals about nutritional supplements. On their website; the two links provided above on the most liable when it comes to asking if supplements is the best option for you.

Questions? At this time does anyone have any comments, questions, stories to share or concerns that was not addressed during the presentation? Thank you all for your time; if you think of any other questions please feel free to e-mail me. My business cards are all at your chairs for your convenience. Again, thank you.

References Consumers report (2012). Consumer Report Magazine. 10 Surprising dangers of vitamins and supplements. Retrieved from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/09/10-surprising- dangers-of-vitamins-and-supplements/index.htm Etcheverry, P. (2011). Health and Wellness Articles. Nutrition; Protein. Retrieved from http://healthandwellness.kaplan.edu/articles/nutrition/Protein%20Suppleme nts.html#cont FDA(2013). Food. Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/uc m109760.htm Thefreedictonary.com (2014). Definition of Nutritional Supplements. Definition. Retrieved from http://medical- dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Nutritional+Supplements Thefreedictonary.com (2014). Definition of Nutritional Supplements. Purpose. Retrieved from http://medical- dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Nutritional+Supplements