Download Dietary Supplements

What are supplements?
A dietary supplement is intended to
supplement the diet by providing
nutrients that are missing or are
inadequate in a person's diet.
Examples include vitamins, minerals,
fatty acids, amino acids, herbs and
botanicals
Who should use
supplements?
Vegetarians/Vegans may
need additional calcium,
vitamin B12 & B6 as well as iron.
Pregnant women may need additional
calcium, folic acid and iron.
Anyone NOT consuming a balanced diet, as
supplements shouldn’t take the place of
food.
Are supplements safe?
Any supplement taken in high enough doses for long
enough periods of time can be toxic!
There are no federal standards to ensure the safety
of most supplements.
Excessive doses of these can be harmful:
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin B6
Niacin
Iron
Folic Acid
Willow Bark
Comfrey
Chaparral
WARNING
Supplements are often marketed as weight loss &
body-building aids as well as energy boosters.
The FDA requires that these supplements states
that their product “is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
This should signal a warning to you that their claims
are inadequate and may cause adverse reactions
(dizziness, headaches, change in blood pressure,
seizures, and even death).
For Good Health
Turn to Food First
Supplements lack certain
components that food can
provide, so they should not be a
substitute for good nutrition!
For questions about dietary
supplements, call
ECU Campus Wellness
252-328-5171