Taking dietary supplements can be a great way to improve overall health and help manage certain health conditions. Folic acid, for example, has been proven to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. While dietary supplements cannot replace healthy eating habits, they can provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients when used responsibly. In fact, nearly 3 out of 5 Americans use supplements every month to benefit their health. Dietary supplements can play a vital role in a healthy lifestyle, but it's important to be an informed consumer.
Here are some questions and answers about what you need to know to safely select and take dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are products that contain vitamins, minerals, botanical or herbal ingredients, amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), and enzymes (complex proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions). They are typically sold in several forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. Dietary supplements aren't drugs and don't cure diseases, but they're regulated by the U. S.
UU. Are dietary supplements safe to take? If there is a serious problem associated with a supplement, such as a side effect, manufacturers must inform the FDA that this is an adverse event. The FDA may recall dietary supplements from the market if they are found to be unsafe or if the claims in the products are false and misleading. Who benefits from dietary supplements? Everyone can benefit from taking dietary supplements in some way. However, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about dietary supplements if you're being treated for a health condition, such as heart problems or high blood pressure, or if you're pregnant or could become pregnant. A good starting point is the product label.
The FDA requires that all dietary supplements identify certain information on their labels, including a list of ingredients and a label with information about the supplement. Are there any side effects to consider when taking dietary supplements? If you take dietary supplements as directed, follow all guidelines and check with your doctor, the risks are low. Some side effects of dietary supplements include stomach discomfort, heartburn, gas, and bloating. Each supplement has its own benefits. For example, taking calcium and vitamin D can help strengthen bone health, while omega-3s can help maintain heart health. However, it's important to note that observational studies may not fully control dietary factors, exercise habits, and other variables; therefore they cannot demonstrate whether treatment is responsible for the health benefits. Some supplements that were found to be beneficial to health in observational studies were later found to be ineffective or even risky after more rigorous testing.
Folic acid and other B vitamins were once believed to prevent heart disease and stroke until later studies not only failed to confirm that benefit but also raised concerns that high doses of these nutrients could increase the risk of cancer. Before taking any disease-prevention supplement it's important to know if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.