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Not all dietary supplements are created equal. There are a few things you should know before you start a new supplement.
First and foremost, check with your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking medicines. Many supplements contain active ingredients which could interact with other supplements or medicines you are taking.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the following actions could lead to harmful – even life-threatening – consequences:
- Combining supplements
- Using supplements with medicines (whether prescription or over-the-counter)
- Substituting supplements for prescription medicines
- Taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, or iron
- Some supplements can also have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery. So, be sure to inform your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist about any supplements you are taking.
And if you hear that this supplement or that supplement is the newest, greatest thing, be very careful. FDA does not have the authority to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed.
According to FDA, dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and enzymes. Makers of supplements are not permitted to market the supplements as a treatment for, to prevent or to cure a disease.
"That means supplements should not make disease claims, such as 'lowers high cholesterol' or 'treats heart disease.' Claims like these cannot be legitimately made for dietary supplements," FDA warns on its website.
The manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements are responsible for making sure their products are safe BEFORE they go to market. If the dietary supplement contains a NEW ingredient, manufacturers must notify FDA about that ingredient prior to marketing. However, the notification will only be reviewed by FDA (not approved) and only for safety, not effectiveness.
FDA provides these tips on how to be a smart supplement shopper
- When searching for supplements on the internet, use noncommercial sites (e.g. NIH, FDA, USDA) rather than depending on information from sellers.
- If claims sound too good to be true, they probably are. Be mindful of product claims such as “works better than [a prescription drug],” “totally safe,” or has “no side effects.”
- Be aware that the term natural doesn’t always means safe.
- Ask your healthcare provider if the supplement you’re considering would be safe and beneficial for you.
- Always remember – safety first!
- Report Problems to FDA
- Notify FDA if the use of a dietary supplement caused you or a family member to have a serious reaction or illness (even if you are not certain that the product was the cause or you did not visit a doctor or clinic).
For more information, visit the Dietary Supplements page on FDA's website.