As a health professional, I often get questions about supplements, vitamins, minerals, and fad diets. I am always eager to help patients and others inquiring as I appreciate the fact that they asked about the safety and effectiveness of the product before taking it. The supplement industry is huge in the United States and there is always a new product out claiming to be the ‘next best thing since sliced bread’ thus it’s essential to be smart and savvy consumer. The supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA like prescription medications are and often times the representative selling you the product have little formal education in biology, biochemistry, nutrition, pharmacology, and medicine which means they lack the knowledge or ability to provide you with credible health advice….and they’re more so in it for the money making part.
Next Tuesday, our Doctor of Pharmacy, Deidra VanGilder will be presenting on this very topic to our STRIVE 2 Survivors and will discuss many common supplements and medications and what we should know about them. There are many products that are truly beneficial for you, but it’s important to always ask your health care provider (MD, CNP, PA, PharmD, or RD) for their advice and recommendation to ensure it’s safe for you. Also, it’s important to note that we always encourage food first so if you can achieve those nutrients from real food, we will always encourage that over a supplement form. The FDA has a great site to help you learn more about important consumer information for selecting supplements: http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/ConsumerInformation/ucm110567.htm.
Be sure to check this out and always ask your provider before taking anything. I am already looking forward to Deidra’s talk next week as she’s an excellent resource for this topic and there is always a lot to learn in this area!
-Kelsey
