Dietary Supplements

Recent studies from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) report widespread use of dietary supplements. Many people mistakenly believe that dietary supplements, which may include vitamins, herbs, homeopathic products and amino acids, are effective and safe because they are "natural." However, most dietary supplements have not undergone scientific testing to determine their effectiveness. They are not monitored or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And some supplements may be harmful if taken in high doses, with certain foods or drugs, or by people with certain conditions. Always check with your physician, pharmacist, or dietitian before taking any dietary supplements.

Dietary Supplements are substances that are added to your regular diet to improve your health or healing. Besides multivitamins, many dietary supplements target special needs and age groups. However, for most people, nutritional needs can be met by eating a balanced diet. Some people who may need special dietary supplements include:

• pregnant or nursing women
• young children
• vegetarians
• alcoholics
• people who are ill or frail
• postmenopausal women