Is it Safe to Take Health Supplements? An Expert's Guide to Supplement Safety

When it comes to taking health supplements, it's important to be aware of potential risks and benefits. Learn more about supplement safety from an expert's guide.

Is it Safe to Take Health Supplements? An Expert's Guide to Supplement Safety

If a supplement looks too good to be true, it probably is. It's essential to make sure that the recommended dosage is backed by science and that the product has been reviewed by reliable sources. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) cautions that excessive consumption of kava has been linked to heart issues and eye irritation. When it comes to supplements, it can be difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction.

Memorial Sloan Kettering's herbal policy does not approve the use of supplements for hospitalized patients. A study published in the journal Nature Medicine found that a combination of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamin D supplements alone, decreased the incidence of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, approval from either organization does not necessarily indicate the effectiveness of a dietary supplement. The U. S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements as drugs, so there is no assurance of safety or efficacy. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and maintaining bone health, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While supplement trends come and go, here are seven supplements that have traditionally been popular, and in all cases, experts recommend taking them with caution. Consumers can use the FDA's Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database to search for ingredients used in products marketed as dietary supplements and find out what the FDA has said about them. Of the supplements that aren't derived from vitamins and minerals, fish oil has the most scientific evidence to support its use.

However, it's important to talk to your healthcare team before adding any new supplement to your regimen if you're managing an underlying health problem or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. In comparison to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements are much less regulated. It's essential to make sure that the supplement contains what the label says it contains and in the indicated dosage. The FDA is not authorized to review the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. People take these supplements to make sure they get enough essential nutrients and to maintain or improve their health. If you have low levels of calcium in your blood despite having an adequate dietary intake, your doctor may prescribe a calcium supplement. When it comes to taking health supplements, it's important to be aware of potential risks and benefits.

It's best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplement, especially if you have an underlying medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, make sure that any supplement you take is backed by scientific evidence and has been reviewed by credible sources.