Dietary Supplements Summary
Dietary supplements are minerals, vitamins, superfoods, and other substances that can be less familiar like; some herbs, amino acids, botanicals, and enzymes. Dietary supplements are in the form of tablets, soft gels, capsules, and also gel caps. Supplements are used as an alternative and natural way to help treat illnesses and ailments instead of just totally relying on prescribed medicine. Many dietary supplements are studied well and understood, while there are other dietary supplements that need further study. There are many people that rely on supplements to treat illnesses instead of taking as much prescription medication.
A few benefits of taking dietary supplements are receiving the intake of nutrients that your body needs in order to stay healthy. You should not replace your food intake that is important for a healthy diet. I feel that taking supplements can just reassure yourself that you are receiving the intake of nutrients that your body needs.
Unlike prescription drugs, supplements do not make claims such as "reduces arthritis pain" or "treats heart disease." Claims like those are only legitimately made for prescribed medication, not supplements.
Some risks from taking dietary supplements are that there are many supplements that have active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. So by some supplements having these effects to the body, it could be unsafe in some situations and hurt or complicate your health. Actions like taking supplements with medications (prescribed or over-the-counter), taking too many supplements like vitamin D, vitamin A, and iron, and substituting supplements for prescribed medication can all lead to harmful or even life-threatening consequences. Some supplements can have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery. So, it is important that you inform your health-care provider, including your pharmacist, about any supplements that you are taking (especially before...