Health Supplements: Do They Really Work or Are They Risky?
Health supplements are a hot topic in the media, and for good reason. The supplement industry is worth billions of dollars annually, but there’s no way to tell which products really work or if they’re safe. In this article we’ll explore some of the most common questions about dietary supplements – what health supplements are, who needs them, how they’re regulated and what benefits you can expect from taking them.
What are health supplements?
Health supplements are dietary and nutritional products. They typically don’t provide as strong an effect on your health as a medication would, but they can help you with specific needs in certain areas of your health.
The FDA regulates dietary supplements as drugs under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Supplements are not considered to be foods or medicines if they meet certain criteria. In general, products must contain no more than 30% of the daily value for a nutrient, contain only one ingredient or be labeled as “dietary supplement.”
Supplements are generally formulated with vitamins and minerals but there are also other supplements that may not be considered traditional. These include lifestyle products like glucosamine to help improve joint health or L-theanine which helps reduce anxiety.
The FDA guidelines require that supplement labels include an ingredient list and any warnings, so make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable company which has the necessary safety measures in place.
You should also make sure the supplements are regulated by a reputable third party – like The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International (NSF). These organizations ensure that what you buy is safe and doesn’t contain anything harmful, such as lead or arsenic!
What are the categories of health supplements?
Health supplements can be divided into two categories: food and dietary supplements. Food products are used for flavor, texture, taste or aroma enhancement – like seasonings and vinegar. Dietary supplements are designed to provide nutrients that may otherwise be missing from your regular diet; these might include vitamins, minerals and herbs.
What are the benefits of supplements?
Some supplements are helpful for weight loss while others may help with anxiety or depression. Supplements can also be used to address specific health issues – like bladder control problems in menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms or low thyroid function.
Nootropics are a type of supplement that can help people with memory and focus problems due to aging or other health conditions – like Alzheimer’s disease. Mental clarity supplements may also benefit students who want an edge in their academic performance as well as people with ADHD.
Supplements can make it easier for people to get the nutrients they need, but that doesn’t mean all supplements are safe or effective – there’s a risk you will experience side effects and take in toxic substances when taking them! There’s also no guarantee your body is going to react positively even if you take the right supplement.
Do all supplements work?
Supplements can’t guarantee the same results for everyone. Results largely depend on your own metabolism and body chemistry, as well as how much of a supplement you’re taking at one time and what that specific supplement is meant to do. The more often you take supplements – especially in high doses – there’s an increased risk of side effects.
We recommend talking with a doctor or dietitian before starting any supplements – especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medications regularly, have food allergies or sensitivities, and/or follow an unusual diet like veganism. They can help you figure out your priorities for health and make sure the supplements will meet your needs.
Health supplements are a great way to help you reach your health goals, but they’re not always safe and effective – that’s why it’s important to do research before taking them.
What are the risks of taking dietary supplements?
Supplements can make it easier for people to get the nutrients they need, but that doesn’t mean all supplements are safe or effective. There’s a risk you will experience side effects and take in toxic substances when taking them. There’s also no guarantee your body is going to react positively even if you take the right supplement. This can lead to a negative reaction to the supplement, which can be anything from stomach upset and nausea to kidney damage.
Supplements may also not contain what they say they do. They could have toxic substances in them or be contaminated by other products that are unsafe for consumption – like lead paint on supplements meant for children! Even if you take your supplements according to the instructions on the label, they might not be safe to take if you’re pregnant.
What if you have a bad reaction to a health supplement?
If you have a bad reaction to a health supplement, it’s important that you talk with your doctor or dietitian. They can help identify the source of your symptoms and make sure the right steps are taken for treatment. It may take time before you find out what caused the problem in order to avoid future reactions from supplements. If you’re unsure about what to take, talk with your doctor or dietitian so they can help you figure out the best course of action.
If you have a medical condition that limits food intake – like heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain or an allergy/sensitivity – and want to add supplements into your routine for health benefits, be sure to talk with a doctor or dietitian first. They’ll help you figure out your priorities for health and make sure the supplements will meet your needs – it’s important that what you take is safe and effective so they can work as intended!
Where do I find information about dietary nutritional supplements?
There are many resources available if you’re looking for information about dietary supplements. You can visit the National Institutes of Health website, which has a list of health topics that includes “Dietary Supplements.”
Who Needs Health Supplements?
The general rule is that if you want to be healthy then there’s no excuse for not taking supplements.
There are many reasons why you may need a health supplement, like if your diet is poor or restrictive – such as veganism. It’s important to know what type of nutrients your body needs – more importantly, how much. If you’re interested in adding supplements to your routine for health benefits, be sure to talk with a doctor or dietitian first.
What are the dangers of megadoses?
Megadoses of vitamins and minerals can be dangerous because it’s easy for the body to get too much of a good thing. If you have an illness or disease that limits food intake – like heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain or an allergy/sensitivity – and want to add supplements into your routine for health benefits, be sure to talk with a doctor or dietitian first.
What if I have an allergy or sensitivity to supplements?
If you have an allergy or sensitivity, don’t eat something just because someone told you to. Be aware of any food allergies, sensitivities, intolerances or other dietary restrictions like veganism, and speak with your doctor or dietitian before adding supplements to your routine.
What ingredients are in health supplements?
Supplement labels typically include an ingredient list of what’s in the product and a recommended use, as well as any warnings. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA but they do have guidelines for safety – so make sure you’re buying from a reputable company.
What are the most common dietary supplements?
If you’re thinking about taking supplements, it’s important to know what your needs are and which ones will work for you. Below is a list of the most common dietary supplement categories:
- Vitamin Supplements: Supplements that contain vitamins usually take care of deficiencies. This can include vitamin D deficiency or something else like iron if you’re deficient in iron.
- Minerals: There are different types of minerals, but they generally help with deficiencies or to provide the body with minerals that it needs like calcium and magnesium.
- Probiotics Supplements: You may need these if you have a bad case of stomach issues or diarrhea from food poisoning. The probiotics help restore your gut bacteria and make you feel better.
- Fish Oil Supplements: These provide omega-three fatty acids that many people don’t get enough of from food sources like fish or eggs. They’re good for maintaining healthy skin, brain function, heart health and more.
- Multi Vitamins: They can be helpful in preventing deficiencies or getting the nutrients you need from food sources. They’re also helpful if you have an illness and your diet is limited, as they provide a variety of different vitamins that can help with healing.
- Herbal Supplements: These include products like green tea extract supplements for weight loss, echinacea to soothe colds and ginseng to help with energy.
- Lifestyle Supplements: There are supplements that may not be considered a “traditional” supplement, but they can have an impact on your health like glucosamine for joint pain or L-theanine which helps relieve stress, anxiety and sleep problems.
Several MLM companies market health supplements
One multi-level marketing company that sells health products is 4Life. They offer a variety of supplements like vitamins, minerals and probiotics that help you get the nutrients your body needs.
Read I Buy I Review’s 4Life review here.
I buy and review courses so you don’t have to. Sometimes, I even find courses that are legitimate and worthwhile; and that’s how I accidentally came across one that led me to building a 6-figure business in a little under 5 years. Now, I still review courses because it’s my favorite hobby. 🙂 Learn more about me here.
