Savvy Supplement User
Making Informed and Cost Effective Supplement Choices
What is a dietary supplement?
As defined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, a dietary supplement is a product that:
- is intended to supplement the diet
- contains one or more dietary ingredients (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids; and other substances) or their constituents
- is intended to be taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid
- is labeled on the front panel as being a dietary supplement.
Do I need to think about my total diet?
Yes. Dietary supplements are intended to supplement your diet, but don't totally replace the balance of a variety of foods important to a healthy diet.
Should I check with my doctor or health-care provider before using a supplement?
If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing or taking any supplement. If you plan to use a dietary supplement in place of drugs or in combination with any drug, tell your health-care provider first.
Some supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
Taking a combination of supplements or using these products together with medications (whether prescription or OTC drugs) could, under certain circumstances, produce adverse effects. For example: Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an OTC drug) and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood, and taking any of these products together can increase the potential for internal bleeding.
Who is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements?
Under the law, manufacturers of dietary supplements are responsible for making sure their products are safe before they go to market. They are also responsible for determining that the claims on their labels are accurate and truthful. That is why this site lists mostly supplements already Dr. Approved for the general public. Thorough testing and research, including safety of use and benefits have met all required standards.
How about some "Salad in a Glass"?
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