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Tags: health, wellness, medicine, dietary supplements
 What are dietary supplements? Dietary supplements as defined by the United States Congress and contained in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 are products that are taken orally. Dietary supplements contain a dietary ingredient, like vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and metabolites, all of which aims to supplement the diet.
How are these supplements different from medicines and over-the-counter drugs? The Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which was enacted into law in 1994, defines dietary supplements or nutritional supplements as supplements to the diet. These are taken orally in the form of liquid, capsule, pill or tablet and are labeled as dietary supplement in the packaging.
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These supplements come in different forms, thus the confusion with over-the-counter drugs. The market is flooded with different types and forms of dietary supplements such as capsules, tablets, drinks, energy bars and powders. A lot can be bought over the counters, minus a prescription. Dietary supplements are practically within easy reach in drug stores, supermarkets, grocery stores, natural food stores, merchandise retailers and in health stores.
It is even available through the internet or shopping via the web. In order to distinguish dietary supplements from over-the-counter drugs, always read the Supplement Facts label. Sadly, many of these supplements are guilty of false claims. Testimonials and so-called proofs of the efficiency and effectiveness of dietary supplements abound in print, broadcast and on line media.
Worse, some are even unsafe. And so, extra precaution must be taken when choosing which dietary supplements to take. With the tons of promotional materials that abound, always be wary of the information being presented. Keep in mind that these supplements are not intended to cure or prevent illnesses. In addition, although some dietary supplements have beneficial effects, a significant number of dietary supplements have potential health risks.
Some do contain active ingredients that can have negative effects on the body, especially when taken in large doses and with other supplements and medicines. Dietary supplements like calcium, for example, interact with heart medicines like Digoxin, vitamin K counteracts with blood thinners etc.. In addition, too much intake of certain vitamins and minerals such as oil-soluble vitamin E and A, can be toxic to the body.
And so, when choosing the right supplements, it is always best to consult with a health care provider to avoid serious side effects. Remember, safety first! Dietary supplements are supplements and not are not meant to replace some of the food needed in a healthy daily diet. Thus, bear in mind that no dietary supplement can ever replace a healthy diet.
Never assume that “natural” is always safe. Some natural ingredients, especially if taken in large doses, can interact with medicines and may even result to life-threatening situations. On a final note, dietary supplements are meant to supplement the body's nutritional needs. But important to take note tha as supplements, it is not designed to be the replacement on the overall health benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
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About the author
The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose recently published a step-by-step guide on how to lose weight the EASY way and become totally healthy and happy. More info on her life-changing eating habits plan HERE.
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