Are Oral Supplements Safe to
Consume?
A dietary supplement is an extra source of nutrients that people take orally in the
form of pills, liquids, bars, or gummies ivpressonline.marketminute. Dietary supplements have many potential
health benefits and are often used to maintain or improve general wellness, address
specific health conditions, and promote healthy aging.
Although some supplements have been shown to be beneficial, more and better
research is needed. For example, calcium and vitamin D can help keep bones strong,
folic acid can decrease the risk of certain birth defects ivpressonline.marketminute.com/article/marketersmedia-2023-3-1-introducing-, and a combination of
vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin (also known as an AREDS formula)
may slow down further vision loss in some people with age-related macular
degeneration.
It is important to talk with your healthcare pro, like a dietitian, before taking any
supplement. Some supplements can interact with prescription medicines and
medical treatments or cause side effects. Large doses of some supplements, like
mega-doses of vitamins A and D, can be harmful. Some of these supplements can
build up to toxic levels in the body and can cause liver damage, kidney problems, or
interfere with medications such as blood thinners, which may increase your risk of
bruising or nosebleeds.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary
supplements to ensure their safety and that labels are truthful. In addition, the FDA
can remove supplements from the market if they are unsafe or their claims are false
and misleading. A dietary supplement that causes harm can also be reported to the
FDA by both consumers and health care professionals.
As with any product, there are risks associated with taking dietary supplements.
People who eat a variety of nutritious foods are less likely to need supplements
because they get enough nutrients in their diets. However, some people have
nutrient deficiencies or find it difficult to eat enough food because of health
concerns. These folks might benefit from taking a supplement.
When shopping for a dietary supplement, be sure to read the label and look for
quality assurance seals and third-party verification. You should also try to shop at
reputable stores that follow good manufacturing practices and regularly inspect their
facilities. The best way to be a smart supplement consumer is to do your own
research on the manufacturer and their products.
When searching for information on the Internet, remember that “natural,” “organic,”
or “herbal” doesn’t necessarily mean safe. In addition, a website owner’s motives
aren’t always pure — sellers might post positive or questionable reviews to sell their
products. You’re more likely to find accurate information from noncommercial sites,
such as government or university websites.