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You’ve heard that lycopene can reduce the incidence or prostate cancer or that glucosamine can help
alleviate arthritis pain in joints…you may buy them as supplements and wonder whether or not you
should take them to see if they work or not. In this lesson, we will discuss some of the various
supplements that are available in the marketplace today and whether or not they are worth the money.
Whenever considering taking any type of over-the-counter vitamin, supplement, or other preparation, it
is always a good idea to consult with your medical care team first. Some of the supplements may
interact with prescription medications and may negate any benefit you are getting from your
medications. Other supplements can be harmful if taken in large doses.
Many of us assume that just because a product is available to us, that product is safe for us to take. This
is not always true. While there are some regulations on over-the-counter vitamins, supplements, and
other items, not all of them are safe and/or effective for all people. In fact, in some cases, certain
preparations can be deadly.
There are many products available today that are marketed as “supplements”. Information from the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that supplements include botanical/herbal as well as
vitamin/mineral products. Some of the products labeled “supplements” are listed below. Please note
that this list is not complete, and that these examples do not represent an endorsement or approval by
FDA or any coalition members:
Vitamins, Minerals, Nutrients
Botanicals and Other Substances
Multiple Vitamin/Mineral
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Calcium
Fiber
Folic Acid
Zinc
Iron
Beta-carotene
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Acidophilus
Black Cohosh
Ginger
Evening Primrose Oil
Echinacea
Garlic
Ginkgo Biloba
Fish Oil
Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin
Sulphate
St. John’s wort
Saw Palmetto
As you can see, dietary supplements include many substances including herbals, botanicals, amino acids,
enzymes, and animal extracts. They are marketed as tablets, capsules, softgels, and gelcaps. While
some of these supplements are well known and understood, others need further study to determine
their effectiveness and safety.
Supplements can help assure that you are getting an adequate intake of essential nutrients and others
may help reduce the risk of certain diseases. However, they should NOT replace consuming a variety of
foods that should be included in a healthful diet.
Dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases, therefore they may
not make claims such as “reduces arthritic pain” or “treats heart disease.” Only prescription drugs are
allowed to make claims like these.
Just because you can purchase dietary supplements in many discount stores, pharmacies, supermarkets,
etc., that is not an indicator that there are no risks involved in taking these preparations. Many of the
supplements have ingredients that can have adverse effects on the body. Some of the actions you take
can also lead to complications….this would include
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Combining supplements
Using supplements with medications (either prescription or over-the-counter)
Substituting supplements for prescription medications
Taking too much of certain supplements (vitamins A, D, and iron for example)
If you are scheduled to have surgery, some supplements may have an unwanted effect – so make sure
your health-care provider is aware of all of the supplements you are taking. This is especially true
before surgery.
Since we can purchase supplements in the United States, one might believe that they are safe. Keep in
mind that dietary supplements are not approved by the government for either safety or effectiveness
before they are marketed. If the supplement contains a NEW ingredient, that ingredient will be
reviewed by the FDA – but not approved by FDA – before marketing. Also, it is being reviewed only for
safety, not effectiveness. Those responsible for the safety of dietary supplements are the
manufacturers and distributors. FDA only becomes involved when a product is found to be unsafe or
makes false claims.
Information from the FDA gives the following points for being a savvy supplement user:
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Watch out for false statements like:
o A quick and effective “cure-all”
o Can treat or cure diseases
o “Totally safe” or has “no side effects”
Be aware that the term natural does not always mean safe.
Do not assume that even if a product may not help you, at least it won’t hurt you.
When searching for supplements on the Web, use the sites of respected organizations, rather
than doing blind searches.
Ask your health-care provider for help in distinguishing between reliable and questionable
information.
Always remember – safety first!
One of the best statements about any supplement is “if something sounds too good to be true, it usually
is.”
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
United States Department of Agriculture - Local Extension Councils Cooperating
Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment