Are Health Supplements Effective?
Many people take dietary supplements, believing they can fill in nutritional gaps or
boost their health. But are they effective? In fact wvva.marketminute, most Americans don’t need
supplements — and some can even be harmful. Unlike medicines, which are tested
in clinical trials, most supplements are not, so they are not known to be safe or
effective. And supplements can interact with other medications and cause unwanted
side effects or even serious harm.
Despite encouraging results in some studies wvva.marketminute.com, the evidence on most supplements is
not convincing. For example, vitamin D was once seen as a silver bullet against a
variety of illnesses, from the common cold to cancer and heart disease, but more
recent research has shown that it is unlikely to prevent these ailments. Other
exciting supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, also have not
proven themselves to be miracle cures. The reason is that the observational studies
used to promote these supplements often don’t fully control for a number of
important factors, such as diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits. That’s why more
stringent randomized controlled trials are needed to prove whether or not these
supplements really are effective in preventing or treating illness.
In addition, supplements can be dangerous when they are taken in high doses or
with certain medicines and medical conditions. For example, some supplements can
increase your risk of bleeding if you take warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood
thinners. Some can also interfere with radiation treatments for cancer, so it’s
important to talk to your doctor about what you’re taking before starting any new
supplement.
Even though the FDA regulates dietary supplements, it doesn’t test them for safety
before they are marketed, so there is a risk that they may be adulterated or contain
unlisted ingredients. The FDA has warned consumers about thousands of cases of
contamination in vitamins, weight loss products, sexual enhancement supplements
and other health products. Sadly, the risks can be fatal, with some people suffering
liver damage and even death as a result of these contaminants.
Most experts agree that a balanced diet is the best way to get the nutrients you
need. Choosing a variety of healthy foods can provide you with all the vitamins and
minerals you need to stay healthy, including calcium and vitamin D, which are
essential for bone strength and cardiovascular health. However, if you decide to take
a supplement, make sure it is clearly labeled and contains the percent daily value of
each ingredient. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage, and remember
that nothing replaces a nutritious diet! If you are interested in learning more about
dietary supplements, you can watch Dr. Seres’ video series, “AMA Moving Medicine,”
on the topic at AMA.org/movingmedicine.