Dietary Supplementing: Merely a trend or a Need? Courtney L. Jacobs HW499 August 24, 2014

What is considered a Dietary Supplement? Vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, amino acids, any other dietary ingredients Can be in pill, capsule, tablet or liquid form and taken orally

How Readily Available are Supplements? Dietary supplements are available over the counter and do not require physician consent or prescription

Are dietary supplements regulated by the FDA and if so by what Guidelines? Under DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994), manufacturers and distributors are prohibited from marketing products that are misbranded. FDA is responsible for taking action against misbranded products. Product must be registered with FDA but are not required to get FDA approval prior to distribution to consumers.

Dangers Associated with Supplementing Adverse effects when taking prescription medication Mega doses can lead to kidney and liver toxicity disproving the fad that more is better. Contamination from harmful substances in product due to chemical makeup not being monitored

Examples of Harmful Supplements Aconite linked to nausea, vomiting, heart rhythm disorders, and death. Coltsfoot linked to cancer and liver damage. Comfrey linked to cancer and liver damage. Kava linked to liver damage. Once a supplement is found to be damaging to the body, the FDA is required to investigate the supplement.

When is dietary supplementing necessary? Dietary supplements should only be utilized when the consumer is not receiving the proper nutrients in their diet. Supplements used to enhance performance and for weight loss should be discussed with physician prior to using due to lethal potential.

References guide-11/default.htm guide-11/default.htm dietary-supplements/ dietary-supplements/ lurk-in-some-dietary-supplements lurk-in-some-dietary-supplements