Supplement Safety

Do you find it surprising that over 50% of American adults have reported taking some kind of dietary supplement?  Probably not, since supplements are a multibillion dollar industry that has captured the attention of people of various demographics, including athletes, vegetarians, and those with chronic conditions looking for a natural remedy.  Many people think that taking supplements is a healthy alternative or addition to prescription medications, and fail to realize that over-​​the-​​counter supplements can be as dangerous as they are beneficial.  Few Americans are actually prescribed supplements by a doctor, dietitian, or healthcare provider.  Therefore, most take it upon themselves to determine which ones they need.

While supplements can certainly improve your health and even enhance strength and athletic performance, there are some critical points to evaluate and be aware of before purchasing.

According to the Natural Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM):

1) “A dietary supplement manufacturer does not have to prove a product’s safety and effectiveness before it is marketed.”  However, once a product is on the market, the FDA monitors it and can give a warning or have it removed from the market if it is deemed unsafe.

2) Dietary supplements may contain ingredients that are not listed on the label.  In addition, they can interact with medications or other supplements you are taking.

3) Because supplements are not closely regulated, it is common that the amount of the active ingredient in the pill is higher or lower than what is stated on the label.  Therefore, you can unknowingly be consuming more or less of a substance than you intended.

4) The NCCAM states that “natural” does not always mean “safe”.  Not all naturally occurring ingredients are safe.  In addition, supplements can be contaminated with metals, pesticides, herbs, and other ingredients not listed on the label.

So what can you do to ensure you are being as safe as you can about the supplements you take?

• Make sure to tell your physician about all vitamins, minerals, and supplements you take.
• Do your research to find information demonstrating that the supplements you are taking have proven benefit.
• Purchase your supplements from reputable sources.

The NCCAM provides multiple websites and phone numbers for more information.  Here are a couple:

“Dietary Supplement Alerts and Safety Information” section of the FDA Web site.

“Alerts and Advisories” section of the NCCAM Web site.

Tags: diet supplements