Nutrition Matters: Dietary Supplements

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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between conventional medicine and alternative healthcare?

Conventional medicine focuses on treating diseases using pharmaceuticals and surgery, whereas alternative healthcare focuses on preventing diseases and promoting overall wellness using natural remedies and non-invasive methods.

How does the FDA regulate medicines differently than dietary supplements?

The FDA regulates medicines more strictly, requiring proof of safety and efficacy before approval, whereas dietary supplements are not required to meet the same standards and can be marketed without FDA approval.

What is the main criterion for a product to be considered a dietary supplement under the DSHEA?

A product must add to a person's dietary intake and contain one or more dietary ingredients, including nutrients or botanicals.

What is the purpose of taking dietary supplements, according to the survey?

Many people take dietary supplements because they are concerned about the nutritional quality of their diet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe dietary supplements that are often referred to, but have no legal definition?

Nutraceuticals Signup and view all the answers

What are the most commonly used dietary supplements in the United States?

Multivitamin/mineral (MV/M) products Signup and view all the answers

What were the most popular nonvitamin, nonmineral dietary supplements among American adults in 2012?

Fish oil or 'omega 3,' glucosamine and/or chondroitin, probiotics/prebiotics, and melatonin Signup and view all the answers

Why do some people use dietary supplements containing nutrients?

Because they are recommended by their physicians or registered dietitian nutritionists. Signup and view all the answers

What type of supplement may a physician prescribe for their pregnant patients?

MV/M (multivitamin/multimineral) supplement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between most dietary supplements and medications?

Most dietary supplements do not require a prescription. Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does Table 2.2 provide about non-micronutrient dietary supplements?

Major claims, benefits, and risks Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk associated with consuming alfalfa seeds?

Increasing the likelihood of blood clots Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of applying bitter orange oil to the skin?

Helping certain skin infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with taking chondroitin sulfate?

Interfering with blood clotting Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of coenzyme Q-10?

Increasing exercise tolerance Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with taking echinacea?

Provoking an allergic response or intestinal upset Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of flaxseed and flaxseed oil?

Providing a nonanimal source of omega-3 fatty acid Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with consuming garlic?

Causing allergic reactions and unpleasant body odor Signup and view all the answers

What is the claimed benefit of ginger in relation to nausea?

Treats 'morning sickness' and other forms of nausea Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential health risk associated with ginkgo biloba seeds?

Toxicity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main claim of American ginseng in relation to health?

Boosts overall health Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of glucosamine sulfate in relation to osteoarthritis?

Relieves joint damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the claimed benefit of green tea in relation to cancer?

Prevents or treats cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential harm associated with using kava?

Liver damage, heart problems, and yellowed skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the claimed benefit of L-arginine in relation to heart disease?

Treats heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of melatonin in relation to sleep disorders?

Treats some sleep disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern associated with the use of St. John's wort?

May interact with other herbal products and many medications Signup and view all the answers

What is the general warning for pregnant women regarding the use of certain supplements?

Consult with their physician before taking the supplement Signup and view all the answers

What type of medical practitioners generally promote and use scientifically tested and evaluated health care practices?

Conventional medical practitioners, such as physicians and registered dietitian nutritionists Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of alternative health care that is gaining acceptance among conventional medical practitioners?

Meditation Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe practices that combine popular alternative health care practices with conventional medical care?

Complementary health care Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of health care professionals who practice integrative medical care?

Developing treatments that coordinate the use of both conventional medical therapies and alternative health care approaches Signup and view all the answers

What type of agency is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medications and health-related devices, including dietary supplements?

FDA (Federal Drug Administration) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between how the FDA regulates drugs versus dietary supplements?

Drugs are strictly regulated, but dietary supplements are not regulated as medications Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a complementary health care approach used in addition to conventional medical care?

Taking a dietary supplement containing melatonin in addition to a prescribed anti-anxiety medication Signup and view all the answers

Why do some conventional medical practitioners not widely accept alternative health care practices?

Few scientific studies support their use and effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What type of health care approach involves using only alternative health care practices?

Alternative health care Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of integrative medical care?

To provide comprehensive care by coordinating the use of conventional medical therapies and alternative health care approaches Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference in regulations between dietary supplements and medications?

Dietary supplements are not subject to the same strict regulations as medications, and manufacturers do not need FDA approval before manufacturing or marketing their products. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of claims are not allowed on dietary supplement labels?

Claims that a product can 'prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure diseases', such as 'reduces pain', 'prevents polio', or 'treats diabetes'. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the FDA's role in reviewing the safety of dietary supplements?

To identify and respond to reports of serious adverse health effects associated with dietary supplements. Signup and view all the answers

What does the USP seal of approval on a dietary supplement label indicate?

That the product has been tested for quality by a third-party organization, but it does not guarantee the product's safety or effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What action may the FDA take if a dietary supplement is found to present a significant risk of harm?

The FDA may alert consumers, seek a product recall, and take enforcement action against the manufacturer if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Why are herbal supplements considered potentially risky?

Herbal supplements are made from plants that may have toxic parts, and some plants are known to be highly toxic or cancer-causing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with using botanical products?

Allergic or inflammatory responses that can result in signs and symptoms of skin, sinus, or respiratory illnesses. Signup and view all the answers

Why are dietary supplements not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure diseases?

Because they are regulated differently than medications and are not subject to the same level of scrutiny and testing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the FDA's role in ensuring the quality of dietary supplements?

The FDA sets standards for the identity, purity, strength, and composition of dietary supplements, but does not test products to ensure compliance. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of dietary supplement manufacturers regarding reports of serious adverse health effects?

Manufacturers must keep records of reports, inform the FDA, and may be required to take corrective action. Signup and view all the answers

What should people with asthma or allergies be cautious of when using botanical supplements?

They should be cautious of allergic responses that mimic symptoms of the common cold, inflammatory responses, and asthma attacks. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to inform your physician about the supplements you are taking?

To avoid unwanted and dangerous side effects from interactions with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before taking a dietary supplement, especially if you have a medical condition?

Discuss your need for the supplement with your physician or a registered dietitian nutritionist before purchasing or using the product. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you be wary of claims made about a supplement's benefits?

To avoid being misled by unproven or exaggerated claims, and to investigate the claims used to promote the product. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you experience negative side effects after using a dietary supplement?

Be examined by a physician immediately and report the problem to the FDA's MedWatch program. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to recognize that the manufacturing of dietary supplements is a profitable industry?

To be cautious of misleading marketing and unproven claims, and to prioritize reliable sources of information. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with taking echinacea, especially for people with ragweed allergy?

Allergic responses, such as watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, or even asthma attacks. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you treat dietary supplements as drugs?

To store them safely, avoid unwanted interactions, and consult a physician if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of consulting government websites for information about dietary supplements?

To access reliable information about the risks and benefits of various dietary supplements. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to avoid using dietary supplements as substitutes for nutritious foods?

Because supplements may lose their beneficial properties when isolated from plants, and plant foods provide a wide array of phytochemicals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dietary Supplements: Definition and Regulation

A dietary supplement is a product that adds to a person's dietary intake and contains one or more dietary ingredients, including nutrients or botanicals (herbs or other plant material).
Dietary supplements are taken by mouth and can be a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, or extract.
Examples of dietary supplements include nutrient pills, protein powders, and herbal extracts.

Types of Dietary Supplements

Multivitamin/mineral (MV/M) products are among the most commonly used dietary supplements in the United States.
There is no standard definition for the contents of an MV/M supplement, but it may contain several vitamins and minerals.
Other popular dietary supplements include fish oil or "omega 3," glucosamine and/or chondroitin, probiotics/prebiotics, and melatonin.

Regulation of Dietary Supplements

The FDA regulates dietary supplements differently than medications.
Dietary supplement manufacturers can bypass most of the strict regulations that the FDA applies to the introduction of new medications into the marketplace.
Manufacturers do not need FDA approval before manufacturing or marketing their products.
The FDA sets standards for the identity, purity, strength, and composition of dietary supplements, but does not test products to ensure they meet these standards.

Risks and Benefits of Dietary Supplements

When used properly, many dietary supplements, particularly micronutrient products, are generally safe.
Herbal supplements can be toxic and cause allergic or inflammatory responses.
Some plants, such as comfrey, pennyroyal, sassafras, kava, lobelia, and ma huang, are highly toxic or cancer-causing and should be avoided.
Some herbal supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications, producing unwanted and even dangerous side effects.

Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

Determine whether a dietary supplement is necessary and discuss it with a physician or registered dietitian nutritionist before using it.
Treat dietary supplements as drugs and store them away from children.
Consult a physician as soon as signs and symptoms of a serious illness appear.
Do not use dietary supplements to treat serious diseases instead of seeking conventional medical care.### Evaluating Dietary Supplements
Be cautious of claims made about a supplement's benefits and investigate the claims used to promote the product.

Reliable Government Resources

U.S. National Library of Medicine (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/herb_All.html) provides reliable information about dietary supplements.
Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/default.htm) is a trusted source for supplement information.
National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (https://nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance.htm) offers reliable information on supplements.

Hazards of Taking Supplements

Investigate hazards associated with taking the supplement.
Office of Dietary Supplements' website (https://ods.od.nih.gov/) provides information on the risks and benefits of various dietary supplements.

Risks of Substitution

Avoid using dietary supplements as substitutes for nutritious foods.
Plant foods provide a wide array of phytochemicals, which may have health benefits when taken in their natural forms (foods).

Reporting Adverse Effects

If you experience negative side effects after using a dietary supplement, consult a physician immediately.
Report the problem to the FDA's MedWatch program by calling (800) FDA-1088 or visiting their website (www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program).

Industry Profitability

The manufacturing of dietary supplements is a profitable industry in the United States.
Americans spent over $39 billion on dietary supplements in 2019.

Health Risks and Wasted Spending

Healthy people do not benefit from taking dietary supplements and may even be harmed by them.
Spending money on supplements can be wasteful, as it could be better spent on natural sources of nutrients and phytochemicals, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals.

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Description

Understand the difference between conventional medicine and alternative healthcare, FDA regulations, and the risks and benefits of taking dietary supplements.