When it comes to health and wellness, there are many different types of supplements available on the market. Two of the most popular types are dietary supplements and herbal supplements. While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two. Dietary supplements are intended to add to or supplement the diet and are different from conventional foods.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or alleviate the effects of diseases. They come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, softgels, powders, sticks, gummies, and liquids. Herbal supplements, sometimes called botanicals, are a type of dietary supplement that contains one or more herbs. Herbal substances come from plants and many are used in both dietary supplements and medicines.
For example, sage, ginseng, and garlic can be found in both dietary supplements and herbal remedies. The label of an herbal supplement may indicate how it might help, but it cannot claim to be a treatment for a disease or ailment. It's important to talk to a health professional to help you decide if a supplement is right for you. Be alert to the possibility of an adverse reaction or side effect when taking dietary supplements. Also keep in mind that supplements should not replace the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) was amended in 1994 by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (often referred to as DSHEA), which defined the “dietary supplement” and established the authority of the FDA with respect to such products.
The Health Information and Food Supplements Service is funded by PAGB, the consumer health care association, which represents manufacturers of over-the-counter medicines, personal care medical devices and branded food supplements in the United Kingdom. The amount of scientific evidence on dietary supplements varies widely; there is a lot of information about some and very little about others. Multivitamins, vitamin D, echinacea, and fish oil are among the many dietary supplements found on store shelves or available online. The context of using a dietary supplement varies greatly from country to country; in some countries, the use of supplements is limited to general health and well-being, while others allow their use for medicinal purposes. Dietary supplement companies must report serious adverse events they receive from their dietary supplements to the FDA within 15 days. To file a general, non-serious complaint or concern about dietary supplements, contact the local FDA consumer complaint coordinator. The latest findings from the CREST-E trial do not support the use of the dietary supplement creatine to treat Huntington's disease. In conclusion, it's important to understand the difference between dietary and herbal supplements before taking them.
It's also important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any type of supplement.
