U.S. adults 20 and older who take melatonin to help them sleep, take vitamin D to maintain healthy bones, or take fish oil to prevent heart disease More than half of respondents said they use nutritional supplements. His 2017 to his 2018 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Multivitamins, which combine different vitamins needed by the body and aim to fill nutritional gaps, are the most common and marketed to people of all ages and at all stages of life. There are multivitamins for pregnant women and seniors who need to strengthen their immune system, and even gummy multivitamins for children and adults who are sensitive to pills.
Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, most of the nutritional supplements you find on American grocery store shelves have not been inspected by the Food and Drug Administration.
Northwell Health partnered with Stacker to learn how the FDA’s regulations for dietary supplements differ from regulations for pharmaceutical products and what consumers should look for to find safe and effective supplements. explained in detail.
medicines and nutritional supplements
Over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements can be difficult to distinguish, especially since they are often placed side by side on pharmacy shelves. The main differences, the FDA explains, are the marketing claims made about the products and the review process they go through.
According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, a drug is an article (other than food) that is specially formulated to treat or cure a disease and that is intended to affect the structure or function of the body. Drugs undergo rigorous safety testing by the FDA before they are made available to the public.
On the other hand, nutritional supplements contain food ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs. According to the FDA, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 placed dietary supplements in a “special category under the general umbrella of ‘foods.'”
Marketing and packaging for dietary supplements can rarely claim to treat a specific disease, but rather explain how its ingredients will affect your overall health, for example, “dietary fiber maintains bowel movements.” I can say something about it. However, when it claims to treat vitamin deficiencies, there are some more nuanced rules regarding this.
However, the FDA does not review dietary supplements or their associated claims before they are placed on the market. In many cases, companies can legally start selling supplements without notifying the FDA.
Look for third-party tests
The FDA’s approach leaves a void for American consumers concerned about the ingredients and safety of dietary supplements. Some nonprofit organizations and third-party companies are actively working to provide some guidance.
NSF (formerly known as the National Institutes of Health) conducts independent product testing to ensure that supplement ingredients match what’s on the label and are free from harmful levels. Make sure it does not contain any impurities. You can find his NSF mark on nutritional supplements and other products.
Similarly, products that are approved by the United States Pharmacopoeia undergo rigorous testing. USP experts ensure that the ingredients in the supplement are broken down before being absorbed into the body. You can search his USP database of approved products online.
Please consult your doctor first
Eating a variety of foods is the best way to get nutrients. However, some people need nutritional supplements to get the extra vitamins they are missing from their diet.
Consult your doctor before taking any new supplements. Taking supplements in addition to medications can cause serious side effects. Some supplements can change how well your medications work or how quickly they work.
Similarly, as you age, your body may need additional support. The National Institute on Aging recommends that adults age 50 and older talk to their doctors about whether they need extra calcium, vitamin D, and vitamins B6 and B12.
Be careful of health booms
Social media users may be familiar with health fads that come and go, but many may wonder whether supplements, which are more affordable than drugs, can improve health. yeah.
Does berberine, obtained from barberry among other plants, really help you lose weight as effectively as ozempic? Does ashwagandha relieve anxiety? Does collagen strengthen nails?
Although there is some research on the effectiveness of some dietary supplements, experts generally recommend caution. If you’re scouring the internet for answers, look for reliable sources, such as doctors and double-blind, peer-reviewed studies with large numbers of participants. And if possible, consult a registered dietitian or health care provider before jumping in. Get on the bandwagon.
Story editing by Ashley Graff. Copy edited by Kristen Wegzin.
