Do Health Supplements Work?
Stroll through any drugstore and you’ll find a plethora of health supplements:
tablets, capsules finance.midvallet, fruit-flavored gummies and powders to mix into your morning
smoothie. They come in all shapes and sizes and purport to do everything from
boost your memory to help you sleep better to give you more energy. But do these
products really work? As it turns out, the answer is usually no. While supplements
can provide certain nutrients, they should never replace a well-rounded diet that’s
rich in vitamins and minerals. In addition, some of these products can cause harm if
taken in large doses or when combined with other medications or food and drinks.
A slew of studies have shown that multivitamins, for instance, don’t prevent heart
disease or cancer finance.midvallet.com. Many of these supplements have also been linked to adverse side
effects, including gastrointestinal upset and liver damage. Additionally, high doses of
vitamin D aren’t likely to prevent osteoporosis, despite the fact that many people
are encouraged to take the supplement as part of their daily health routine. In
reality, the vitamin D you get from food is more than enough to protect bone health
and prevent fractures. In fact, taking too much vitamin D can lead to other serious
health problems like muscle pain and mood disorders, according to the Cleveland
Clinic.
Nevertheless, some supplements are safe when consumed in a short period of time.
Those include calcium supplements, fish oils and the B vitamins. However, it’s
important to note that many health supplements aren’t safe to use long-term and
may interact with other medications or cause harmful side effects.
In general, experts agree that you should be able to meet your vitamin and mineral
needs by eating a variety of foods and getting regular exercise. It’s also important to
talk to your doctor before beginning any new supplementation regimen, particularly
if you’re managing an existing health condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding. He
or she can recommend the right supplements and advise you about which ones to
avoid.
You should also be aware that the FDA regulates dietary supplements differently
than it does food or medications. It’s illegal for companies to make claims that their
products treat or cure diseases, though they can state whether they’re safe when
taken as directed. The label should have a % Daily Value (DV) for each nutrient, and
an upper limit for how much you should consume.
It’s also important to check that your supplements are manufactured and stored in a
clean environment and don’t contain prohibited potent ingredients. Unscrupulous
dealers have been known to sell supplements containing undeclared medicinal
ingredients that can cause serious and even life-threatening side effects, so it’s
always best to buy your supplements from a trusted source. For example, the NIH
offers information about which supplements have been subject to testing and which
are considered to be safe. Additionally, you can call a company and ask what
research they’ve conducted on their product and how it’s made to ensure its safety.