The Pros and Cons of Taking Health
Supplements
Taking health supplements can be an effective way to improve your overall wellness
or help treat a specific medical condition entertainment.asialogue. However, they are not without risks. It is
important to talk to a healthcare pro before starting any new supplement routine.
Many people take dietary supplements for many reasons, including general wellness
and to support their health. Some of the most common supplements include
vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
They can be used to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, or maintain muscle
strength.
A large majority of Americans, about 170 million people, take a dietary supplement
on a regular basis, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition.
The most commonly taken supplements include multivitamins, fish oil, calcium, and
vitamin D.
These products can be effective, especially if you don’t get enough of certain
nutrients from your diet or you’re eating an unhealthy diet.
Some dietary supplements can cause side effects, including diarrhea and nausea.
They can also interfere with prescribed medications or impact your body’s ability to
absorb drugs.
Other possible issues with dietary supplements are that they can be expensive and
contain chemicals that might not be safe for everyone. Some people may experience
allergic reactions, which can result in serious medical conditions.
Another concern is that many supplements can be confusing for consumers, since
they come in a variety of forms and have different ingredients. Some are made with
natural, plant-based sources while others are lab-made.
It’s important to read labels carefully and follow the directions on the package. A
health professional can recommend the best products for you.
Be wary of claims that are over the top, or that make promises that cannot be
proven by science. Some health experts believe that most products are based on
hype rather than research, which can lead to false hopes.
The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements the same way it does drugs, which
can make it difficult to know whether a product is safe or not.
This lack of oversight can be a problem for older adults, who might not absorb some
of the ingredients in their supplements. It can also make it hard to determine how
much of a particular nutrient is actually in the product.
Until the FDA takes a more active role, it is likely that supplements will remain
largely unregulated, despite their popularity. Until that changes, consumers will
need to be cautious about what they’re taking and what they are paying for.
Some of the best ways to ensure that a product is high quality are to look for one
that has been tested by an independent third-party company. This is usually called a
Certificate of Analysis.
A reputable third-party test can give you an objective view of a product’s quality and
safety, says Cohen.
Other ways to make sure that a dietary supplement is effective and safe are to buy
from a reputable retailer, look for supplements that adhere to any dietary
restrictions you have, and choose a product that has a long history of safe use.