According to Biobest Wellness, dietary supplements are substances that can be used to increase the nutritional content of the diet or reduce the possibility of contracting diseases such as osteoporosis or arthritis. Different forms of dietary supplements include pills, capsules, powders, gel tablets, extracts and liquids. These may include vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, herbs or other plants, enzymes or other nutrients. Nutritional supplement ingredients are occasionally added to foods, including beverages. You do not need a prescription to buy nutritional supplements, but before taking them you should go to a physician.
Will a dietary supplement help me?
Eating a variety of nutritious foods is the best way to get the nutrients you need.. However, some people do not regularly consume enough vitamins and minerals in their food, in which case their doctors may advise them to take a supplement. Nutritional deficiencies in your diet can be made up with dietary supplements.
Before taking any supplements, consult your physician, as some dietary supplements may alter the way your current medications work. If your doctor suggests a dietary supplement, be sure to follow the instructions.
Are nutritional supplements safe?
This question is still being investigated by researchers. Prescription drugs, such as antibiotics and blood pressure medications, are scrutinized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The same is true for over-the-counter medications, including those used for colds and pain.
The FDA does not have the same level of control over dietary supplements as it does over prescription drugs. Dietary supplement ingredients are not routinely evaluated by the federal government, and companies are not required to report the safety of a supplement to the FDA before marketing it. Companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of supplements, but the FDA does not inspect supplements before they are marketed. This implies that just because a dietary supplement is displayed on a store shelf does not imply that it is safe, that it works as claimed, or that it contains the ingredients listed on the label.
The FDA will issue warnings on items that are obviously dangerous if it learns of potential problems with a supplement. The FDA could also order a recall of these supplements. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission investigates complaints about advertisements that may overstate the benefits of dietary supplements.
