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?
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What is the term used to describe dietary supplements that are often referred to, but have no legal definition?
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What are the most commonly used dietary supplements in the United States?
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What were the most popular nonvitamin, nonmineral dietary supplements among American adults in 2012?
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Why do some people use dietary supplements containing nutrients?
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What type of supplement may a physician prescribe for their pregnant patients?
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What is the primary difference between most dietary supplements and medications?
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What type of information does Table 2.2 provide about non-micronutrient dietary supplements?
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What is one potential risk associated with consuming alfalfa seeds?
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What is a potential benefit of applying bitter orange oil to the skin?
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What is a potential risk associated with taking chondroitin sulfate?
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What is a potential benefit of coenzyme Q-10?
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What is a potential risk associated with taking echinacea?
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What is a potential benefit of flaxseed and flaxseed oil?
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What is a potential risk associated with consuming garlic?
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What is the claimed benefit of ginger in relation to nausea?
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What is the potential health risk associated with ginkgo biloba seeds?
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What is the main claim of American ginseng in relation to health?
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What is the primary benefit of glucosamine sulfate in relation to osteoarthritis?
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What is the claimed benefit of green tea in relation to cancer?
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What is the potential harm associated with using kava?
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What is the claimed benefit of L-arginine in relation to heart disease?
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What is the primary benefit of melatonin in relation to sleep disorders?
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What is the main concern associated with the use of St. John's wort?
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What is the general warning for pregnant women regarding the use of certain supplements?
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What type of medical practitioners generally promote and use scientifically tested and evaluated health care practices?
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What is an example of alternative health care that is gaining acceptance among conventional medical practitioners?
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What term is used to describe practices that combine popular alternative health care practices with conventional medical care?
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What is the role of health care professionals who practice integrative medical care?
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What type of agency is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medications and health-related devices, including dietary supplements?
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What is the difference between how the FDA regulates drugs versus dietary supplements?
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What is an example of a complementary health care approach used in addition to conventional medical care?
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Why do some conventional medical practitioners not widely accept alternative health care practices?
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What type of health care approach involves using only alternative health care practices?
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What is the goal of integrative medical care?
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What is the main difference in regulations between dietary supplements and medications?
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What kind of claims are not allowed on dietary supplement labels?
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What is the purpose of the FDA's role in reviewing the safety of dietary supplements?
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What does the USP seal of approval on a dietary supplement label indicate?
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What action may the FDA take if a dietary supplement is found to present a significant risk of harm?
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Why are herbal supplements considered potentially risky?
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What is a potential risk associated with using botanical products?
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Why are dietary supplements not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure diseases?
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What is the FDA's role in ensuring the quality of dietary supplements?
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What is required of dietary supplement manufacturers regarding reports of serious adverse health effects?
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What should people with asthma or allergies be cautious of when using botanical supplements?
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Why is it important to inform your physician about the supplements you are taking?
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What should you do before taking a dietary supplement, especially if you have a medical condition?
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Why should you be wary of claims made about a supplement's benefits?
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What should you do if you experience negative side effects after using a dietary supplement?
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Why is it important to recognize that the manufacturing of dietary supplements is a profitable industry?
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What is a potential risk associated with taking echinacea, especially for people with ragweed allergy?
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Why should you treat dietary supplements as drugs?
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What is the importance of consulting government websites for information about dietary supplements?
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Why is it recommended to avoid using dietary supplements as substitutes for nutritious foods?
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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
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Determine whether a dietary supplement is necessary and discuss it with a physician or registered dietitian nutritionist before using it.
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Treat dietary supplements as drugs and store them away from children.
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Consult a physician as soon as signs and symptoms of a serious illness appear.
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Do not use dietary supplements to treat serious diseases instead of seeking conventional medical care.### Evaluating Dietary Supplements
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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.