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More than 100 million Americans take a vitamin or dietary supplement daily. |
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Smoking and heavy use of alcohol, as well as a number of environmental factors, rob the body of essential nutrients and weaken the immune system. |
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Dietary supplements are not only vitamins and minerals. They also include other substances, such as herbs, botanicals, amino acids and enzymes. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, powders, energy bars and drinks. |
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If you change your diet or even the regularity of your meals, analyze and talk to a healthcare practitioner about what your diet may be missing and what supplements would be most beneficial for you. |
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Use reliable, sound information on dietary supplements when making health decisions. Purchase supplements from a reputable manufacturer with packaging that carries the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) mark. Remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. |
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Supplements do have expiration dates! Note the expiration date on packaging and use only while effective. |
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Dietary supplements have been regulated as a category of foods throughout the history of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. In fact, virtually all facets of dietary manufacturing, labeling and advertising are covered by extensive regulations issued and enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It is the responsibility of supplement manufacturers/distributors to ensure their products are safe and their label claims are accurate and truthful. |
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Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of some dietary supplements is well established for certain health conditions but others need further study. Whatever your choice, supplements should not replace prescribed medications or the variety of foods important to a healthful diet. |
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Dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent or cure disease. |
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Do not self diagnose any health condition. Work with your health care provider to determine how best to achieve optimal health and always check with a medical professional before taking a supplement, especially when combining or substituting them with other foods or medicine. |
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It is important to take vitamins and supplements daily as directed. Read the label for more information. |
