Vitamin and mineral supplements are subject to fairly limited regulation by the FDA. To guarantee the safety and accuracy of a product, it is essential to look for supplements that have been certified by a third-party testing organization. Third-party groups test them to make sure they contain what's on the label and are not contaminated. Since the Food and Drug Administration does not verify that supplements contain what they say they contain or if they're contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria, or pesticides before being sold, some third-party groups have taken over the role.
Some of these organizations, such as USP and NSF, include verified or certified products on their websites. Even if a supplement has been certified to show that it contains what's on its label, it could still cause serious side effects, according to Pieter Cohen, M. D. In May, CVS announced that it had completed an initiative to ensure that all the supplements it sells have been tested by third parties. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act restricts the FDA's ability to regulate products that are marketed as dietary supplements, even though most people buy them for health reasons, not nutrition reasons.
This means that supplements shouldn't make claims about diseases, such as “lowers high cholesterol” or “treats heart disease.”In addition to the universal precaution of talking to health professionals about the use of vitamins, herbs, or other dietary supplements, consumers should also take care to communicate with health professionals about cultural or lifestyle practices. Pharmacist and herbalist Simon Yeung gives consumers advice on how to determine if an herb or dietary supplement contains what is indicated on the label. Yeung cautions that, while the approval of either organization is valuable in evaluating quality and purity, it does not necessarily indicate the effectiveness of a dietary supplement. Many people tend to want to live a healthier lifestyle and try supplements, but it can be confusing and overwhelming to decide which ones to take, what brand to use, and if they're safe. He offered the following advice, along with the firm precaution that consumers should always contact their healthcare providers about the use of herbs, vitamins, or any other dietary supplement: For people with cardiovascular disease who don't eat fish regularly, taking a fish oil supplement is reasonable. And if consumers experience adverse reactions with a dietary supplement, they should report it to the FDA's MedWatch Program. Many people search the Internet, ask friends and family, or consult reference books when they want to know if an herb, vitamin, or dietary supplement can help them and if it's safe to use.
In most cases, scientific research on supplements begins with simple observational studies in which researchers compare the health status of people who take a particular supplement with those who don't.Selenium also appears to increase the risk of diabetes and previous studies dashed preliminary hopes that the supplement could protect against heart attacks. As with any dietary supplement, you should inform your health professional about its use. To ensure you're taking safe dietary supplements that will benefit your health without causing any harm, it's important to do your research before taking any new product. Look for third-party certifications from organizations like USP and NSF that verify quality and purity. Talk to your healthcare provider about any herbs or vitamins you're considering taking and always report any adverse reactions you experience with a dietary supplement.
