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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 o o o o 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: • • • • • • 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