Dietary Supplements
What is a dietary supplement?
Congress defined the term “dietary supplement” in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product taken by mouth that contains a “dietary ingredient” intended to supplement the diet. The “dietary ingredients” in these products may include:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Herbs
- Amino acids
- Substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and metabolites
Basic Points to Consider
Are you eating a well-balanced diet?
Yes. Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diets of some people, but not to replace the balance of the variety of foods important to a healthy diet. While you need enough nutrients, too much of some nutrients can cause problems. If you have questions or concerns about your diet, please see your athletic trainer, dietician, or your primary care physician.
Should I check with my doctor or healthcare provider before using a supplement?
Yes. Dietary supplements may not be risk-free under certain circumstances. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects and their safety is not always assured in all users. If you have certain health conditions and take these products, you may be placing yourself at risk.
Who is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements?
Dietary supplement products are not reviewed by the government before they are marketed, but FDA has the responsibility to take action against any unsafe dietary supplement product that reaches the market.
More Tips and To-Do’s
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure you do your research on the supplement and follow the recommendations listed above.
- Sound health advice is generally based on a body of research, not a single study. Be wary of results claiming a “quick fix” that depart from previous research and scientific beliefs.
- “Even if a product may not help me, it at least won’t hurt me.” When consumed in high enough amounts, for a long enough time, or in combination with certain other substances, all chemicals can be toxic
- “A product is safe when there is no cautionary information on the product label.” Dietary supplement manufacturers may not necessarily include warnings about potential adverse effects on the labels of their products.
Additional Resources:
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013). Using dietary supplements wisely.
• Bordow, S. (2010). Bordow: Supplement use dangerous for high school athletes.