Are Dietary Supplements for You?

Dietary supplements appeal to many people. In fact, more than half of all Americans consume them. A 2002 Harris Poll estimated that seven out of 10 adults in the U.S. take vitamins, minerals, herbs or other supplements. With 1,000 new supplement products introduced into the market each year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that there are at least 29,000
different supplements available to consumers.

Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, fiber, herbals, botanicals, phytochemicals, amino acids, hormones and other products such as bee pollen, enriched snack bars and shakes. The public is bombarded with media and marketing claims on Web sites, product literature, magazine articles, advertisements, books and newsletters promoting supplement use and health food stores. These ads promise improved health, energy, vigor and youth upon consumption of certain dietary supplements.

How do you sort out all the claims about supplements? As tempting as advertisers make dietary supplements sound, there are certain things to consider before investing in and ingesting dietary supplements.

When considering purchasing dietary supplements consider the “red flags” in box at right.

There are times when a daily multivitamin with minerals is appropriate; however, supplements lack many of the beneficial components found in foods. Do not be mistaken and think that all of your nutrient needs are met by taking a pill. The best nutrition advice is to eat a balanced diet which includes a wide variety of foods eaten in moderation.

If you have reviewed the 10 Red Flags and you still feel compelled to take dietary supplements, consider these tips: Check the name of the manufacturer. Often nationally known companies have strict quality control procedures in place. Evaluate the label. Products should have accurate and appropriate information. Do not purchase if statements are not clear or the label includes outrageous claims. Look for vitamin/mineral supplements that include the US Pharmacopia (USP) notation on the label. USP is a nongovernment, not-for-profit organization that sets standards assuring integrity and uniform quality. For herbal supplements look for the (NF) notation which indicates that the product meets standards set by the National Formulary. Talk to your healthcare provider.

For more information visit www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/food/pubs/index.html and click on the publication titled To Supplement or Not to Supplement: That is the Question (FCS-480).