What Are Food Supplements?

Food supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet. They are marketed ‘in dose’ form i.e. as pills, tablets, capsules, liquids in measured doses etc.

What to consider before taking supplements

Questions to ask yourself before taking supplements:

1. Do I need this supplement?
2. Do I know that this supplement is safe?
3. Does this supplement interact with any drug or food I am consuming?
4. Do I know that this supplement works?
5. Can I afford this supplement?
6. Do I know enough about this supplement?

In the United States of America, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) review of the safety and efficacy of these products is significantly less than for drugs and foods. Be cautious about using any supplement that claims to treat, prevent or cure a serious disease. The FDA has approved only a few claims for labeling, based on a review of the scientific evidence (for example, claims about folic acid and a decreased risk of neural tube birth defects). A recent court case effectively prevents the FDA from regulating health claims on dietary supplement labels. Read carefully and think critically about the claims you see on the packages.

Some dietary supplements may be harmful under some conditions. For example, many herbal products and other “natural” supplements have real and powerful pharmacological effects that can cause harmful reactions in some people or can cause dangerous interactions with prescribed or over-the-counter medicines. It does not necessarily mean that supplements marketed as “natural” are safe and without side effects.

If you have any doubts about the supplement you are taking or thinking of taking, it is vital that you consult your physician.

Provide your physician with a list of the entire ingredients on the label and any information you can find about the supplement such as advertisements or brochures. To make things easy, just bring along the supplement package or bottle to your meeting with the physician.

As the supplement market contains some useless and some potentially dangerous dietary supplements, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a physician if you are:

• Chronically ill
• Taking prescription or over the counter (OTC) drugs
• Pregnant or potentially pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Under age 18
• Age 65 or older
• Unsure about taking the supplement after analyzing the label
• Unsure if you need the supplement or not

Can you benefit from taking a dietary supplement?

If you fall into one of the following groups of individuals you may want to consider taking a supplement:

• athletes
• weight loss
• older adult
• pregnancy
• vegetarians

Beware of food supplements, says expert

In the Philippines, however, experts are warning citizens against food supplements.

Food supplements with no scientifically proven health benefits proliferate in the Philippines and they may be detrimental to the health and the finances of consumers in the long run.

Dr. Hazel Paragua, head of the neuro-sciences department of San Beda College of Medicine, said the Philippines has been the dumping ground of food supplement banned in other countries because they contain harmful ingredients or do not really promote wellness.

Taking Safety into your own hands

To ensure a supplement is safe, it’s best to always follow these guidelines, no matter what the current licensing laws might say:

• Always consult your GP first, especially as supplements may interact with each other or with prescribed medications.
• Never buy anything that advertises exaggerated claims. Scrutinise all wording carefully.
• Only buy something from a well-known manufacturer with a good track record.
• Just because something is not synthetic does not mean it’s safe.
• Be aware that even many supplements traditionally seen as safe can be dangerous in high doses.
• Keep in mind that no amount of supplements can substitute for a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Sources (by topic order):

http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/labellingnutrition/supplements/index_en.htm
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/nutrition/supplements/
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/nutrition/supplements/benefit.php
http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/library/index.php/health-news/591/426
http://www.safesupplements.co.uk/what-are-licensing-laws-regarding-supplements.html