Are Health Supplements Effective?
Many people take health supplements, believing they will improve their wellness or
help them heal. Used properly, some dietary supplements may lower the risk of
certain diseases or reduce discomfort caused by conditions or medicines, and they
can also boost immunity coopservicesinc. But some supplements have no benefit and can be
harmful, especially in large doses.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements as foods, not
as drugs, and they can’t be sold as if they treat or cure disease. However,
supplement makers can make claims that their products are “natural” and can
provide the same benefits as the herbs and other plants they contain.
Vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations can cause side effects and interact with
some medicines. High doses of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin A and E, may
increase the risk of some cancers. Folate in pills can be less well absorbed than
folate found in foods, and it can reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure medication
Dilantin (phenytoin) and the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). Iron and calcium
supplements can interfere with some blood-thinning medications such as the oral
contraceptive pill (Orthodiol) and the long-acting injectable antibiotics tetracyclines
and fluoroquinolones.
Dietary supplements can also be dangerous when they’re taken in combination with
certain foods or medicines, or if they haven’t been carefully studied for safety.
Vitamin D supplements, for example, are not recommended with the weight loss
medicines orlistat and Xenical, or with the statins atorvastatin (Lipitor) and
rosuvastatin (Zocor), because they can increase the chances of a heart attack or
stroke. Vitamin K and A might interfere with some blood-thinning drugs, and
calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium and selenium may be toxic if taken with the
cholesterol-lowering medicine ezetimibe (Zocor).
Despite this, millions of Americans still take a variety of supplements. In fact, a
recent survey found that 80% of people who take dietary supplements think they’re
beneficial. However, most of the supplements on the market haven’t been tested for
safety or effectiveness. Only a few, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils and
folic acid, have been proven to prevent some serious diseases.
The best way to maintain your health is with a balanced diet of healthy foods. But if
you do want to add supplements to your routine, talk with your doctor. He or she can
advise you on which ones are safe for you and can work with your specific needs,
such as a history of illness, age or other factors.
Many people can get the nutrients they need from a varied diet without taking
supplements. However, if you have a deficiency or are at high risk of developing
one, a doctor can tell you what supplements you need to take and how much to
take. It’s also important to report any adverse events or reactions from taking a
dietary supplement to the FDA, which can lead to product recalls.