While some supplements do have science-backed benefits, others come with unfounded promises.
What Are Supplements?
Its important to note that supplements are not regulated by theU.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)the same way food is.
Since then, the industry has grown astronomically, with tens of thousands of supplements currently on the market.
About 4,000 supplement products were available in 1994, theAmerican Medical Association (AMA)Journal of Ethicsreports.
How Are Supplements Regulated?
But its important to know that theyre widely unregulated.
This means that supplement manufacturers can make marketing claims that may not be substantiated by research evidence.
Its also up to manufacturing companies to ensure that their products arent adulterated or contaminated.
Of note, there is some action by certain politicians to change this.
The act has not yet been passed or signed into law.
What Kind of Medical Professionals Should You Consult?
To ensure youre taking safe and appropriate supplements, its important to speak to a medical professional.
Patients should discuss with their primary care physician prior to taking supplements, Dr. Nguyen says.
Clinical nutritionists or dietitians are another great resource for supplement counseling and education.
Functions of Supplements
Per the definition, supplements are meant to enhance your overall diet.
The products can help you get adequate nutrients if youre not getting enough in the foods you eat.
However, there are lot of reasons why that might not always be possible.
Sometimes life happens, and our diets may be inconsistent.
It can be hard to eat perfectly every day.
Below are some of the more commonly used supplements and what some of the current research says about them.
Be sure to consult your doctor before starting to take any new supplement.
But research is mixed.
Otherresearchhas found that vitamin D supplementation may help regulate mood and ease depression, especially if you are deficient.
Zinc
Zinchas been linked with a number of potential health benefits, perhaps most notably a boosted immune system.
Looking to bulk up your supplement supply?
We’ve got recs like our picks for the 8best zinc supplements, recommended by RDs.
Research suggests that vitamin C may play an important role in preventing chronic disease.
Still, many people dont get enough magnesium in their diet and may benefit from supplementation.
Magnesium supplementation may also help reduce symptoms of depression, according to somestudies.
Our list of thebest magnesium supplements, recommended by experts, is a great place to start.
These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.
Discovering the role that these microorganisms play in our health is an emerging field of scientific research.
Probiotics may be especially helpful in preventing andtreating diarrhearelated to antibiotic use orClostridium difficile, somestudieshave found.
Finding the right variety of each pop in of supplement can be overwhelming.
Creatine is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.
Other research suggests thatcreatine may be beneficial for older adults.
Want to add creatine to your medicine cabinet?
We picked the 7best creatine supplementsto help boost your workouts.
Per theNIH, common ingredients in weight loss supplements (e.g.
More research is usually needed, based on the supplement.
There is no substantial scientific evidence that supplements for weight loss work, Pepin explains.
There really is no substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Be sure to consult your doctor or a medical professional before beginning any new supplement regimen.
TheDietary Supplement Ingredient Directoryis a similar database launched in 2023 by the FDA.
Risks
One of the biggest risks of supplements is improper dosing.
You may need to take precautions if taking amultivitamin, too.
And remember, since supplements arent tightly regulated, theres risk for mislabeling and contamination.
Purchasing supplements that are verified by a third party is the best way to avoid these risks.
Finally, many supplements can be expensive and might not support your dietary needs.
Consult your physician to see if you actually need the supplement youre considering before you spend unnecessarily.
Many common supplements do not have side effects when taken at typical doses for the short term.
Who Might Explore Taking Supplements?
Your doctor can help you decide if supplements may be beneficial for you.
That said, some do.
Always store any product that you purchase as indicated on the product label, Pepin says.
It is best for any product to avoid extremes of temperature such as freezing or high heat conditions.
Zakaria advises against storing supplements in your bathroom medicine cabinet.
A vitamin is a micronutrient thats necessary for the body to carry out various life-sustaining functions.
Many vitamins are available as supplements, but they are only one kind of supplement.
Other forms include minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and herbs.
Always speak to your doctor before starting any new supplement.
Many common supplements do not usually have side effects when taken at typical doses for the short term.
Yet, these are specific to each individual supplement.
Ashley Welch has more than a decade of experience in both breaking news and long-form storytelling.
As a former staff member at Everyday Health, she covered a wide range of chronic conditions and diseases.
She enjoys yoga and is an aspiring runner.
Nutritional Supplements
