Are Health Supplements Safe?

Are Health Supplements Safe?
Are health supplements safe?
Supplements are often advertised as a way to get more of the nutrients you need
from your diet choicecotton. But it’s important to remember that many supplements can be
dangerous if taken in too high of a dose. If you’re considering taking a supplement,
speak with your doctor about the best options.

Dietary supplements are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness, and
many of them contain ingredients that haven’t been studied or tested thoroughly.
Some are mislabeled or contain more than the amount listed on the label, which can
lead to serious health risks.
Some supplements are tainted with drugs, like antibiotics or antifungals, and may
not be safe for people on prescription medicine. Others, such as comfrey and
aristolochia, can cause liver damage or kidney failure.
There is little research to suggest that supplements have any effect on your health
other than what you would get from eating healthy, whole foods. In fact, most
dietitians recommend getting most of the vitamins and minerals you need through
your diet.
But some dietary supplements can be helpful if you’re at risk for a certain disease or
need to take extra doses of certain vitamins and minerals. They can also be
beneficial for some groups of people, such as pregnant women or those with an
underlying medical condition.

Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Extracts
Unlike prescription medicines, dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA for
safety or effectiveness. They can contain contaminants, such as metals or
pesticides, that pose health risks for some people. They can also have unspecified
drug interactions with other medications, which can cause problems.
These issues can make it difficult to recommend supplements that are safe for
people with a particular health condition or those who are pregnant. The FDA
encourages both consumers and health care professionals to report any adverse
events — or “side effects” — they experience with dietary supplements to the
agency, where it can help the company bring the product into compliance and
possibly remove it from the market.
Megadoses of vitamins and minerals can be harmful, too. Some supplements, such
as vitamin D, can cause problems in healthy people if they’re taken in too high of a
dose. They can also trigger excessive calcium absorption and lead to muscle pain,
mood disorders, and kidney stones.
A few nutrient supplements — such as zinc and iron — are considered to be safe if
used under the supervision of a doctor. But most experts recommend that people
don’t use supplements unless they’re prescribed by their doctor.
Vitamin D supplements are also popular, but research has shown that they don’t
prevent fractures in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women. And too much

vitamin D can have negative consequences, including raising the risk of osteoporosis
and heart disease, according to a 2018 review by the U.S. Preventive Services Task
Force.
The best thing you can do is to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and
vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and dairy products. In addition, you should
avoid processed and fried foods, which can increase your risk of developing a
nutritional deficiency. You should also try to minimize your exposure to alcohol and
tobacco.