Dietary nutritional supplements may be useful to your health, but they can also pose a danger to your health. The FDA does not have the jurisdiction to assess dietary supplement products for safety and efficacy before they are sold in the United States.
You’ve probably heard of them, used them, and even recommended them to friends and family. While some best quality nutritional supplements are well-known and well-researched, others need further research. Continue reading for crucial dietary supplement information for you and your family.
What Are Dietary Supplements?
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes are among the substances included in dietary supplements. Tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, powders, and liquids are all examples of dietary supplements.
What Are the Advantages of Nutritional Supplements?
Some supplements may help you acquire enough of the essential nutrients your body needs to operate, while others can help you avoid sickness. Supplements, on the other hand, should not be used to substitute whole meals, which are essential for a healthy diet – so make sure you consume a variety of foods as well.
Supplements, unlike pharmaceuticals, cannot be sold for the aim of treating, diagnosing, preventing, or curing illness. That implies supplements should not make health claims like “reduces cholesterol” or “treats heart disease.” These kinds of claims can’t be made for dietary supplements.
Are There Any Hazards Associated with Supplement Use?
Yes. Many supplements include active substances with potent biological effects. This might put them in danger in some scenarios, as well as harm or complicate your health. The following, for example, might have serious – even life-threatening – repercussions.
- Combining vitamins and medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter),
- Supplements as a replacement for pharmaceutical drugs,
- Taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, or iron,
might cause health problems.
Who Is Responsible for Dietary Supplement Safety?
Dietary supplement producers and distributors are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe before they are released to the public.
If a dietary supplement includes a NEW component, the company must inform the FDA before selling it. However, the FDA will simply evaluate the notice (it will not be authorized) for safety, not efficacy.
Dietary supplement manufacturers must guarantee that their products are of high quality, free of contaminants or impurities, and appropriately labeled following current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and labeling laws.
If a major issue with a dietary supplement arises, it must be reported to the FDA. If dietary supplements are shown to be hazardous or if product claims are inaccurate or misleading, the FDA has the authority to remove them from the market.
You may also read about best quality nutritional supplements
Be A Knowledgeable Supplement Consumer
Here’s how to do it:
- Instead of relying on information from manufacturers while looking for the best quality nutritional supplements on the internet, consult noncommercial sources (e.g. NIH, FDA, USDA).
- If something seems too good to be true, it generally is. Product promises like “works better than [a prescription medicine],” “completely safe,” or “has no adverse effects” should be avoided.
- Keep in mind that “natural” does not necessarily imply “safe.”
- Consult your doctor to see whether the supplement you’re considering is safe and effective for you.
- Always keep in mind that safety comes first!
- Problems should be reported to the FDA.
