Supplements are products containing vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, amino acids, healthy oils and fatty acids as well as other essential nutrients.
supplements come in all forms: pills, powders, drinks and foods. While not technically classified as medicines, supplements may help improve health or provide extra energy boost.
Quality
Quality information about supplements is accessible from multiple sources, some directly evident (such as independent product testing); others less so but nonetheless essential in helping us identify products of high quality, like brand ingredients and manufacturing certification.
Branded ingredients typically represent ingredients from manufacturers who specialize or have invested resources into establishing efficacy through animal or human clinical trials, with more stringent quality measurements (potency and purity) than ingredients found in supplement products.
Pharmaceuticals are subject to federal law, so they must meet specific quality standards before being sold in the U.S. Dietary supplements do not fall under this same regulation; however, there are ways of evaluating quality. Some ways include:
Safety
When purchasing supplements, it is essential to determine their safety and efficacy. Therefore, it’s crucial that you speak to your healthcare provider regarding your choices.
Safety of supplements depends on various factors, including its ingredients. Products composed of high-grade materials tend to be safe to consume.
As with any food product, dietary supplements must undergo stringent safety tests before being sold to ensure they don’t contain any potentially dangerous or unknown ingredients, while their labels don’t mislead consumers.
If you suspect an unsafe supplement, contact the FDA as soon as possible; they could possibly help remove it from the market if necessary.
Interactions
Drugs and supplements interact in many ways, which may result in adverse side effects or complications.
Supplements may cause your medications to work more slowly or less effectively than intended, as well as alter the way in which your body utilizes vitamins and minerals.
Medication may interact with food you eat, affecting how your body absorbs essential vitamins and nutrients. This interaction could result in symptoms like fatigue or yellowing of skin.
There are two categories of drug-dietary supplement interactions: pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic. Pharmacodynamic interactions occur when dietary supplement ingredients augment or antagonize the activities of certain xenobiotic drugs through changes in metabolism, excretion or (occasionally) absorption and protein binding – and are likely to have more serious impacts than their pharmacokinetic counterparts.
Storage
Some products require more care when it comes to storage, particularly non-liquid supplements like vitamins and minerals that may become susceptible to condensation and mildew growth. Certain items can also be vulnerable to sudden temperature shifts and should therefore be stored accordingly using containers designed specifically for them. It is advisable to follow manufacturer’s directions when it comes to storage solutions for supplements of interest. Selecting an appropriate container is also key to avoiding accidental spills that could prove costly later. Some great storage solutions include high quality fridges, airtight cabinets and freezer drawers. Just as important as having a well-ventilated space is ensuring each bottle’s lid is tightly screwed on to help ensure its contents stay fresh. Also keep an eye out for any liquid or gel bottles near the back of your cabinet, especially if young children or pets are present.
