FAQs About Dietary Supplements

You buy vitamins and other nutritional supplements with the goal of improving your health, but do you know exactly what to look for, or what's inside the bottle? Just because a supplement is labeled "all-natural" doesn't mean it's safe -- or effective.

Before you buy any supplement, read through this list of frequently asked questions to make sure you're buying a product that helps rather than harms your health.

What Is a Dietary Supplement?

Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, amino acids, or other dietary ingredients. You take these products by mouth in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form to supplement your diet.

Can I Take Supplements on My Own, Without a Doctor?

Supplements are available for sale over the counter at your local pharmacy or online without a prescription. Still, you should always check with your doctor before taking any product, because some supplements can cause side effects, or interact with other prescribed or over-the-counter medicines or supplements you're already taking. It's especially important to ask your doctor about taking a supplement if you're pregnant or nursing, about to have surgery, or you have a health condition such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Also, don't give a supplement to a child without checking with their health care provider.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About Taking Supplements?

Ask your doctor whether you need the supplement based on your current diet and health. Also ask what benefits and risks the supplement can have, how much to take, and for how long you should take it.

Here are some other things to ask:

• Are there any studies to show that this supplement works and that it's safe?
• What side effects might it have?
• Will this supplement interact with any other drugs or other supplements I'm taking? Can it reduce or increase the effectiveness of any medicines?
• Will it cause excess bleeding, and if so, should I stop taking it before surgery?
• Can I take this supplement while I'm pregnant or nursing?
• Is this supplement safe for my child to take?
• Can I take it if I have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or another medical condition?
• What should I do if I'm not seeing any benefits or if I'm having side effects?
• Which brand of this supplement is most reputable?
• If I do have a side effect from this supplement, where can I report it?

Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know exactly which supplements and medicines you're taking.

How Do I Take Supplements?

Use common sense when taking any dietary supplement. These simple tips can help you stay on track:

• Follow the directions on the package and your doctor's instructions exactly.
• Keep a list of all supplements and other medications you're taking.
• Write down how much of each product you're taking and at what time of day. It’s easy to forget that you’ve taken a supplement, which can lead to accidentally taking too much.
• Also write down how the supplement affects you, and whether you have any side effects.
• Share your notes with your doctor at each visit.

Are All Supplements Tested to Make Sure They're Safe and Effective?

No. Manufacturers aren't required to test their products for safety and effectiveness. Some supplement ingredients have been tested in animal or human studies. For example, folic acid has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of birth defects in pregnant women. However, other supplement ingredients haven't been studied well, or at all.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.

How Can I Tell Whether I'm Getting a Good-Quality Supplement?

Manufacturers are required to follow "good manufacturing practices" (GMPs), which means their supplements have to meet certain quality standards. However, it has been found that some products may contain more or less of the ingredient than is stated on the label. Or, in some cases they may contain ingredients not listed on the label, including prescription drugs. To be sure you're getting a good-quality product, look for a seal of approval from an organization that tests supplements such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab or NSF International. Products that carry these organizations' seal must be manufactured properly, contain the ingredients listed on the label, and not include any harmful contaminants. You can also call the product's manufacturer to find out what research they've done to confirm the supplement's benefits, what production standards they use, and what side effects have been reported from their product. Find out if the supplement hasn't been recalled, by checking the FDA's website.

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