1. Nutritional Supplement: Pros & Cons
Are They Right For You?
Rosetta Sartore
Kaplan University

2. What are supplements? Vitamins Minerals Herbs Other
Anything we add to the diet to increase our health and well being
Vitamins fat and water soluable
Minerals major and trace
Herbs
Protein powders and shakes

3. Why use Supplements Increase Energy Boost Immune system Lose Weight
Enhance Physical Performance
Enhance Physical Appearance
Treat Specific Health Conditions
Maintain or Increase General Health
The reasons most cited for the use of supplements included wanting to increase energy and maintain health Medscape 2011
Discuss each along with examples of supplementation for each

4. Are they Safe?
FDA treats supplements as food therefore they are not evaluate before they are put on the market
They are considered safe until it is proven otherwise
Manufacturers do not have to demonstrate safety and effectiveness before marketing
Many lack scientific evidence of safety
Must evaluate on our own
Does it make outrageous claim?
Is it from a reputable source
Look at the ingredients list
Remember supplements are not supposed to treat or cure a specific disease. That makes them a drug and there are different regulations
Natural does not mean safe. Some poisons are “all natural”

5. Side Effects Natural does not equal no side effects
Possible health concerns include liver and kidney damage along with cardiovascular issues
Can be contaminated with heavy metals or pesticides
Sometimes contain prescription drugs (steroids)
Can interfere with the effectiveness of prescription drugs

6. How Do I Know if I need one?
Used to support the diet not take the place of a nutritious diet
Should not take the place of medication or care from a qualified medical professional
Should not be used to treat a specific illness or condition without consult from medical professional
Second and third opinions are helpful as long as they are from qualified medical professionals, not just personal success or failed use of supplement

7. What do I look for in a Supplement?
Benefit claim: if it sounds to good to be true it probably is
Talk with MD and/or pharmacist or other qualified trusted health professional (my chiropractor as I have a relationship with him)
When it comes to taking supplements wisely, your doctor is your advocate. Here are some questions to ask your health care provider:
Are there any studies to show that this supplement works, and that it's safe?
What side effects might it have?
Will this supplement interact with any other drugs or other supplements I'm currently taking? Can it reduce or increase the effectiveness of any medicines?
Will it cause excess bleeding, and if so, should I stop taking it before surgery?
Can I take this supplement while I'm pregnant or nursing?
Is this supplement safe for my child to take?
Can I take it if I have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or another medical condition?
What is the correct dosage for my age and weight?
How soon should I start seeing effects?
What should I do if I'm not seeing any benefits, or if I'm having side effects?
For how long can I take this product?
Which brand of this supplement is most reputable?
If I do have a side effect from this supplement, where can I report it?

8. Resources
Consumer Reports. (2010). Are dietary supplements dangerous? Retrieved from:
Medsacape.com. (2011). Dietary supplements and the clinical encounter. Retrieved from:
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. (2104). Using dietary supplements wisely. Retrieved from:
Web MD. (2015). How to use supplements wisely. Retrieved from: