Dietary supplements are products that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or amino acids. Supplements are most often used in tablet or capsule form, but can also be found in powder or liquid form. These are not meant to be used as a replacement for food, but as the name implies, supplements meant to be used as a supplement to healthy meals. Supplements have long been used to promote health, but research is underway to determine if this alternative form of treatment is viable as a replacement to conventional medicine.
It is very important to talk to a doctor or another medical professional about supplements. Many supplements are often marketed as "natural" or "organic," but that does not guarantee safety. There are real consequences for taking too many supplements, taking ones that do not work with individual diet, or taking ones that conflict with other medical treatments.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates supplements on the market. However, these supplements are not regulated with the same strict rules used for the regulation of conventional medication and prescriptions. Instead, they are regulated in the same way that foods are regulated. Companies do not have to prove the supplement is safe or effective. In addition, the FDA does not regulate consistency or quality. What is on the label may not necessarily be what is being ingested.
Working with a medical professional can help patients successfully choose supplements that benefit their medical condition. The following include some of most popular supplements:
Ginseng: treats high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, and illness recovery
St. Johns Wort: treats mental disorders, sleep problems, and nervous system conditions
Grape Seed Extract: treats heart problems, high blood pressure, swelling, vision problems, diabetes, and circulatory conditions
Flaxseed: treats menopausal symptoms, arthritis, high cholesterol, and cancer prevention
Garlic: treats high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol
These are just a few of the dozens of supplements to consider. They treat a number of medical conditions and help with other health issues. Some supplements are used to prevent conditions, such as cancer. In addition, some supplements (such as Hoodia) are used to promote weight loss.
The U.S. government and various private organizations are funding research to examine how effective supplements can be, as well as address health concerns with supplements. Currently, the NCCAM, one of the country's leading organizations concerned with health supplements, is funding projects to research ginger, turmeric, chromium, green tea, and yeast-fermented rice. This research could help patients with conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
No matter how much supplements may benefit patients, this form of alternative medicine should not be used without the advice of a medical professional. Taking dietary supplements is just as dangerous as taking prescription medications without understanding how they work. Make sure to keep the following safety concerns in mind:
Always inform doctors of every medication being taken, as well as any other treatments.
Ask a doctor if the supplement is dangerous if alcohol is consumed.
Never take more than the recommended amount of a supplement at one time, and never take more in a specific time period than the doctor's recommendation.
Be careful when adding supplements to tea or coffee. Some supplements are meant to be added to food, but be careful that the amount ingested is safe.
Stay in touch with research on supplements.
Be aware of company recalls. If the FDA finds that a supplement is unsafe, they issue mandatory recalls to pull supplements off of the shelf.
If planning to have surgery, check with the doctor about supplements that may hurt the surgical process.
Supplements are not the only form of alternative therapy to consider. It is also important to take all treatment options into consideration. Patients have found success with massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, and many other kinds of alternative treatments.
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