Knowledge is Power

According to the FDA dietary supplements are products taken by mount consisting of dietary ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, botanicals/herbs, and other substances (2008). A vitamin, mineral or herb taken to improve or maintain one’s health but not intended to treat or cure medical conditions, illnesses or diseases. (FamilyDoctor.org, 2011) Is intended to supplement one’s diet not replace natural nutrients, contains one or more dietary ingredients, is taken by mouth, and the front label specifies “dietary supplement (ODS, n.d.) All definitions are part of The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) regulating supplements as conventional foods. For more information go to:

With supplements rapidly growing in popularity many manufacturers are counting on consumers lacking the knowledge to chose wisely and safely according to their needs. The internet can be a valuable tool to gain the needed information. Other sources could be: Guidelines for choosing dietary supplements safely ndalternativemedicine/dietarysupplements/dietary-supplements-choosing- safely -HealthProfessional/

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a not for profit, scientific, non-governmental organization that provides quality assurance of medications, foods and nutritional supplements (USP, 2013) To ensure identify the quality, purity, potency, performance, and consistency products must go through a rigorous six step process (USP, 2013). In 2001 supplement manufacturers requested USP to devise a program on a voluntary bases to test submitted supplements with the same standards as medications and foods to ensure the highest quality possible in order to provide safe products to consumers. In 2002 the testing program was implemented and initiated. This process is not mandated by the government therefore only participating manufacturers and their products will carry this symbol. To learn more follow the link to an interactive module under the section of “USP Dietary Supplement Verification: The Standard of Quality” and clip on “participate now” then sit back and enjoy. dietary-supplement-verification

Pay attention to the serving size and suggested use. Full list of ingredients (Potential allergens can be found here.) Expiration date and manufacturers contact information. A detailed dietary supplement label can be found at: Council for Responsible Nutrition Foundation [CRN](2013). Important stamps to look for showing manufacturers in good standing that provide quality and consistent products. Another key term to look for is standardized meaning each pill contains the same exact ingredients Understanding Supplement Labels

On June 17, 2013 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched a new Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD). Now consumers have access to approximately 17,000 supplement ingredient labels. No more confusion Make informed decisions At Home v/dsld/ At Home v/dsld/ On the Go On the Go

Here’s the first clue Now, here’s the second clue Approximately Of Americans For more information go to: Chart of the day: The top 15 prescription drugs in America. day-the-top-15-prescription-drugs-in-america/237538/ Intrigued! Check out: Nearly 7 in 10 Americans Take Prescription Drugs, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center Find at: rst/7543.html The answer is: When mixed with medications Knowing these staggering statistics and the rapid increase of supplement use should clarify why it is important to become knowledgeable and informed when taking any nutritional supplement especially herbs. Natural is better but poses the potential for sever risks

Garlic Many beneficial properties: Anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral plus acts as a blood thinning agent (Bardot, 2012). Many beneficial properties: Anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral plus acts as a blood thinning agent (Bardot, 2012). Medication Interaction's Enhances properties of anti inflammatory, anticoagulants, and antihypertensive medications can cause increased absorption, risk of hypotension (low blood pressure), and risk of internal bleeding or excessive bleeding during surgeries and dental work. St. Johns Wart Medication Interactions Commonly used for mild-moderate depression and anxiety. Other uses analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestion, diuretic, expectorant (Wild Edible Food, 2011). Can enhance or minimize antidepressants, oral contraceptives, digoxin, HIV medications, Cancer medications, seizure-control medications, and anticoagulants (NCCAM, 2013). Plus increased adverse reactions in conjunction with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (Zhou &Lai, 2008). Seek advise from health care practitioner and provide list of all nutritional supplements consumed regularly. Caution

Ever Famous Probiotics Beneficial bacteria to the digestive system. Helps immune system. Beneficial bacteria to the digestive system. Helps immune system. Medication Interactions Antiinflammatory agent, immunostimulants, immunosuppressants, vaccines, and immunomodulators. Can increase or decrease absorption rates. Magnesium Medication Interactions Assists in over 200 enzymatic process in the body. Can lower blood pressure. Can improve glycemic control. Helps to prevent fatigue in stressful situations. Assists in over 200 enzymatic process in the body. Can lower blood pressure. Can improve glycemic control. Helps to prevent fatigue in stressful situations. Reduce effectiveness of antibiotics, hormone replacement therapy, and oral contraceptives (Dr. OZ Show, 2013). Rule of Thumb When taking any medication and nutritional supplement, DO NOT take them at the same time. Instead, take them two hours a part. This gives the body time to digest one before the other and can lower the risk of negative reactions. Do Your Homework The Herbal and Supplement Checker provided by The Dr. OZ Show. Easy to use, fun and displays herb/drug, herb/supplement, herb/food, and herb/lab interactions. checker The Herbal and Supplement Checker provided by The Dr. OZ Show. Easy to use, fun and displays herb/drug, herb/supplement, herb/food, and herb/lab interactions. checker ALWAYS, CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL before beginning a new nutritional supplement including herbs. Natural does not mean safe!

Natural does not mean safe Always check with your physician or health professional Do your homework and become informed Always check with your physician or health professional Read the nutritional facts label including ALL ingredients Always check with your physician or health professional Be aware of possible adverse reactions

Anderson, J. & Roach, J. (2010). Food vs Pill. Colorado State University Extension. Retrieved from Bardot, J.B. (2012). Bye bye Coumadin, so long Plavix - Say hello to five natural blood thinners that protect against strokes and blood clots. Retrieved from Edible Wild Food (2011). St Johns Wart. Retrieved from FamilyDoctor.org (2010). Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from Jegtvig, S. (2013). What you need to know about dietary supplement. Retrieved from Office of Dietary Supplements [ODS] (n.d.). What is a dietary supplement? National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2008). FDA 101: Dietary supplements. Retrieved from U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (2013). Education on Dietary Supplement Verification. Retrieved from verification-services/usp-verified-dietary-supplements/education-dietary-supplement-verification Zhou, S.F. & Lai, X. (2008). An update on clinical drug interactions with the herbal antidepressant St. John's wort. 9(5): Retrieved from