Dietary supplements have become a multibillion dollar industry. Unlike food and drugs, dietary supplements are not directly regulated by any government agency.
Therefore, you as the consumer assume the risks of taking any dietary supplement products. No matter what your wellness goals are, strive to be an informed consumer by researching the safety and efficacy of any product you consider taking.
Use the following tips to help avoid potentially harmful or deceitful dietary supplements:
— It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before use. Some supplements can interact with medications you take or have an effect on existing conditions. Always be honest with your health care provider about any supplements you take.
— Understand that the dietary supplement industry is largely unregulated.
— Remember that dietary supplements do not need to be tested for safety or effectiveness before being sold.
— Supplement advertising is not regulated either, so claims can be misleading or even untrue.
— If a product appears to be too good to be true, it probably is. Dietary supplements masquerading as one-stop weight loss or performance-enhancing products are nowhere near as effective as regular exercise and a sound diet.
— The term supplement means “in addition to” not “in place of.” If you choose to utilize dietary supplements, do so by adding the products into an already healthy lifestyle that includes a complete, nutritious diet and regular physical activity.
Helpful links
- Visit Library.IllinoisState.edu and type in a keyword for the supplement of interest to see if there is any reputable research on that product or on a particular ingredient. Be wary of online sources that are not research-based or from an academic journal.
- Information on dietary supplements from the Food and Drug Administration
- Dietary supplement information from the Mayo Clinic
- Report an adverse event after taking a dietary supplement
