| Home | Disease Prevention | Drugs & Supplements | Diet & Nutrition | Fitness | Health Insurance | Medical Malpractice |
Complimentary dietary supplements are intended to be used in conjunction with regular exercise and healthy diet intake. |
It contains more than one ingredient like herbs, vitamins and minerals, proteins, amino acids, fibers, gland extracts from animals and also fish oils. Vital compounds like enzymes and nucleic acids also form a part of these supplements.
These products come in the form of pills, tablets, capsules, tonics or powders. They are generally bought over the counter and also online and are available without a doctor’s prescription.
The vitamin and mineral supplements are generally safe and do not cause adverse reactions in the body unless consumed in excess. For e.g. excessive intake of iron could be more poisonous than healthy. Too much of selenium can cause damage to the tissues. High levels of niacin can cause liver damage. Excessive Vitamin A in the body could cause liver and bone damage, diarrhea and birth defects.
Some of the supplements are found to contain toxic substances or contaminants. For instance, calcium supplements may contain lead which is harmful to the body. Weight loss supplements or diet pills are reported to have potential side effects. Hence, it is advisable to do adequate ground work and be aware of the right dosage, precautions and side effects that these supplements may cause. Though these dietary products are not classified as drugs, consultation with an experienced practitioner is also recommended especially for women who are pregnant or children below 12 years of age. In addition, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved products are generally a safer option.
More Articles :