Supplement Side Effects

Using a dietary supplement to achieve health benefits can be a wise choice, but in some cases these products may be unnecessary for good health. They may even create unexpected risks. You should know more about the supplements you choose so you can make informed decisions. Whatever your choice, supplements should not replace eating a variety of foods important to a healthful diet.

Dietary supplements include a variety of substances such as:

• Vitamins.
• Minerals.
• Herbals and other botanicals.
• Amino acids.
• Enzymes.
• Animal extracts.

Non-Regulation of Supplements

While some dietary supplements are well understood, others have had little if any scientific study and evaluation.

Unlike approved drugs, dietary supplements are not pre-approved by the government for safety or effectiveness before marketing. Also, unlike drugs, supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases.

At times it can be confusing to tell the difference between a dietary supplement, a food, or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This is because supplements by law come in a variety of forms that resemble these other products. For example, you can find supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, energy bars, or drinks.

Is it a Supplement?

One way to know if a product is a dietary supplement is to look for the Supplement Facts label on the product. A product that contains this label is a supplement, which means it is not subject to government evaluation or approval.