1. Vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements
Everything you want to know!
Hello everyone! My name is Crystal Gaffney. Today I have created a slide presentation to regarding general knowledge about vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements.
By: Crystal Gaffney
HW Bachelor’s Capstone in Health & Wellness

2. Vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements
What are vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements
Regulation of vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements
Safety of vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PRIOR TO TAKING ANY VITAMINS, HERBS, OR NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS!
(fda.gov, 2015)
This presentation is meant to inform the consumer what vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements are, how they are regulated by the government, and how safe they are to take. Always remember to check with your healthcare provider prior to taking any vitamins, herbs, or nutritional supplements!

3. What Is a vitamin? Found naturally in many foods
Necessary in small quantities for good health
Designated by a capital letter and sometimes a number
(Merriam-Webster, 2017)
A vitamin is any of a group of substances that are found naturally in many foods, are necessary in small quantities for good health and normal development and functioning, and are designated by a capital letter and sometimes a number (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

4. What Is a herb? A plant or plant part
Used in medicine or in seasoning foods
(Merriam-Webster, 2017)
A herb is a plant or plant part used in medicine or in seasoning foods (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

5. What Is a nutritional supplement?
Taken by mouth
Contain a “dietary ingredient”
Can be used to supplement the diet
(Merriam-Webster, 2017)
Products taken by mouth that contain a “dietary ingredient” such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or botanicals, and other substances that can be used to supplement the diet.

6. Regulation of vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements
Federal law requires all supplements to be labeled with either the word “dietary” or the products dietary ingredient (example: calcium supplement)
Dietary supplements are not proven safe before they are marketed
FDA’s role in regulation begins when a supplement presents a significant risk
Dietary supplements can be manufactured and sold without approval from the FDA
(fda.gov, 2015)
It is a requirement of the federal law that every dietary supplement be labeled either as “dietary supplement”, “nutritional supplement”, or with the product’s dietary ingredient. Some examples are calcium supplement or Vitamin B-12 supplement.

7. Safety of vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements
Millions of American’s safely consume multi-vitamins daily without side effects, allergic responses and adverse reactions
Some dietary supplements are beneficial for certain health conditions (example: Biotin for hair, skin and nails and Vitamin C for improved immune health)
Dishonest manufacturers have sold fraudulent products on the market
(fda.gov, 2015)
There are a lot of safe products on the market and many American’s have taken the supplement without any adverse reactions or allergic responses. In some cases, the products have proven to be beneficial. For example, as we age our bodies produce less biotin which makes our nails harder, hair stronger and improves skin hair. Another example is Vitamin C which is taken to make the immune system stronger to help it fight viruses and bacteria. There are dishonest manufacturers that produce and sell fraudulent products. Always request information from the manufacturer prior to use to ensure the product is safe.

8. Always consult with your physician
Supplements may contain strong organic ingredients that may be harmful to some people
Combining dietary supplements with some illnesses and diseases could put you at risk
Combining dietary supplements with some medications may put you at risk and could even be life threatening
(fda.gov, 2015)
It is important to always check with your healthcare provider before you take any vitamin, herb, or nutritional supplement. Some supplements may contain strong organic ingredients that have potential to be harmful to some people; they may not be safe for you. If you suffer from some illness and diseases, combing dietary supplements may put your health at risk. If you are currently being treated for illnesses and diseases with prescription medications, adding a supplement could be harmful and maybe even life threatening.

9. Additional resources
supplements/art _and_alternative_medicine/dietary_supplements_85,P
For additional information, please visit any of the trusted sites on this slide.

10. references
Commissioner, O. O. (n.d.). Consumer Updates - FDA 101: Dietary Supplements. Retrieved September 20, 2017, from What to know before you buy an herbal supplement. (2014, November 14). Retrieved September 20, 2017, from