Consumers tend to believe that dietary supplements:
- Have fewer side effects than prescription drugs.
- Are approved by the FDA.
- Will improve and maintain health.
- Are safe, high quality, and effective.
- May replace conventional medicines.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENT REALITIES
- FDA does not approve, test, or regulate the manufacture or sale of dietary supplements.
- The FDA has limited power to keep potentially harmful diet supplements off the market.
- Dietary supplements may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness before they are sold.
- Dietary supplements often do not list side effects, warnings, or drug or food interactions on product labels.
- Ingredients listed on supplement labels may not include all active ingredients.
- Dietary supplements may not relieve problems or promote health and performance as advertised.
- One of the most serious consequences of supplements results when they are used as a remedy for health problems that can be treated, but not by vitamins or minerals. Vitamin and mineral supplements have NOT been found as yet to prevent or treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, premature death, behavioral problems, sexual dysfunction, hair loss, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, cataracts or stress. Some such as vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene may be harmful to certain groups of people. If taken, dosages should not be excessive.
Judith Brown, Nutrition Now, 2013.
The recent pandemic brings with it its schemes, misinformation, and claims for combating the virus. The supermarket tabloid covers feature various foods to eat to avoid viral infections. Always consult with your doctor about these claims. And thanks to Quackwatch, you can find a very comprehensive guide about COVID-19 claims HERE.
