It is essential for people of all ages to consult their doctor before taking any supplements, but it is even more important for older adults, according to Lauren Grossman, MD. You may be exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, and you may think that taking a multivitamin every day can only help. But is that really the case?More than half of Americans take one or more dietary supplements on a daily or occasional basis. These supplements come in pill, powder, or liquid form and usually don't require a prescription.
Common supplements include vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, also known as botanicals. When you're looking for that bottle of vitamin C or fish oil pills, you may be wondering how effective they are and if they're safe. Ginkgo biloba (an herb) and vitamin E supplements can thin the blood, so taking them with warfarin may increase the risk of internal bleeding or stroke. Vitamin C is often consumed as a supplement to prevent the common cold, but high-dose vitamin C supplements may reduce the effectiveness of some types of cancer chemotherapy and interfere with statins. Many people also mistakenly believe that the fact that a vitamin or supplement is advertised as “natural” means that the product is “safe”.
However, vitamins and supplements can cause harmful reactions or may reduce the effectiveness of prescription medications. When it comes to vitamins and minerals, check the percentage of the daily value (DV) of each nutrient to make sure you're not getting too much. Previous research suggested that men who took vitamin E supplements may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. But how can you tell what types of vitamins or supplements you should avoid and what's actually good for you? According to Langdon, supplements and vitamins can change the “ADME” of prescription drugs. Of the supplements that aren't derived from vitamins and minerals, Hopp says that fish oil probably has the most scientific evidence to support its use. This includes prescription and nonprescription medicines, as well as nutritional supplements and vitamins.
National health surveys show that more than half of American adults take some type of vitamin or dietary supplement, a percentage that increases with age. The MyDS app provides the latest information on supplements and allows you to keep track of the vitamins, minerals, herbs and other products you take. It is important to remember that even though vitamins and supplements are widely available without a prescription, they are not necessarily safe for everyone. Before taking any type of supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor about potential risks and benefits. Your doctor can help you determine which types of vitamins or supplements are right for you based on your medical history and current medications. In conclusion, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement or vitamin.
Your doctor can help you determine which types of vitamins or supplements are right for you based on your medical history and current medications. Additionally, it is important to check the percentage of daily value (DV) for each nutrient in order to ensure that you are not getting too much.
