The Pros and Cons of Supplements

What are Supplements?

Officially, the definition of a supplement is anything that contains a dietary ingredient that people take orally. Ingredients in supplements could include herbs, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and other substances needed to maintain optimum health. Some supplements are complex formulas of many of these ingredients. Others are one vitamin, mineral, or herb to cover a specific deficiency.

Supplements are not required to obtain FDA approval as they are not considered treatments or cures of any disease. The labeling of the products is also not regulated by the FDA, but the marketing does come under scrutiny. It is possible for dangerous or ineffective supplemental products to stay available without intervention, so consumers should always discuss their safety and effectiveness with their medical providers.

Certain brands, like Mediherb supplements, have remained a popular choice of medical professionals. Brands like these have been proven to offer what the label describes and contain quality ingredients. The forms of supplements can also add to the confusion for some consumers as the products may come in bars, tablets, powders, and many other products. The individual's preference and lifestyle can determine what option will work best for them.

Why Are Supplements Necessary?

In a perfect world, everyone would eat a balanced diet, drink adequate water, and sleep the recommended amount every night. People would have no exposure to environmental toxins and never contract any illness or disease. Unfortunately, the world is not perfect. Inherited conditions, stressful schedules, and many other realities can make it necessary to use the convenience of supplements to give the body more of what it needs.

About 70 percent of people over age 60 use at least one supplement a day. For many, a basic multivitamin may be their choice. Others may take multiple products to give their bodies the boost they feel they need. The desire to use supplements can happen because of an inability to eat enough to get adequate nutrition. Some people may need to counter the side effects of prescription medication. The reasons for supplementation are endless. Everyone should discuss with their doctor why they need the products and how to avoid causing themselves harm with a supplement.

The Risk of Supplements

The risk of most supplements is when people take products that are unnecessary or ineffective. An unregulated supplement from an unreliable manufacturer could be nothing more than an expensive sugar pill. Self-diagnosing a problem could result in an inaccurate diagnosis. People could easily take a variety of supplements to treat a health problem they do not have.

Taking too much of certain vitamins or minerals could worsen health. High doses of Vitamin C may lead to kidney stones. Excess Vitamin E could increase bleeding risks. Zinc overdoses can make antibiotics less effective and cause gastroenterological disorders.

Herbal and botanical supplements could activate allergies in the same manner as a field full of ragweed. People with environmental or seasonal allergies may not consider the possible risks of consuming these all-natural products, but the side effects could become severe.

Safe Management of Supplementation

People that want to include supplements in their daily routine should speak to their doctor. The initial step is testing to see if there is a need for products like Standard Process Supplements. Doctors can review medical histories, examine the patient, and listen to their concerns. The doctor will order blood tests if necessary to check for insufficiencies. After testing, the doctor can advise the patient on the supplements that will work best for them. They will offer options to choose from that will not interact with any current prescription medications. Follow-up testing after using supplements will determine if the products are working as needed.

Some patients will need to take a supplement for life. For other people, supplementation is a temporary situation. Once the deficiency disappears, they may no longer need to supplement their diet. A doctor will monitor and offer recommendations to each patient to make the decision that works for them.

Patients cannot always afford the cost of the supplements they need. Over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are not usually covered by health insurance. When the cost becomes a problem, discuss the issue with the doctor. Some affordable prescription supplements exist that could help to save money.

What Patients Should Avoid 

There are some simple reminders for anyone considering supplementation to achieve their wellness goals. People should never use supplements to replace prescription medication unless the prescribing doctor approves the change. Supplements cannot replace a healthy diet or the need for sleep. Continue to live a healthy lifestyle to gain the most from the use of any products. Like any drug, all vitamins and other natural formulas should stay out of the reach of children and pets. Additional recommendations include:

• Use only doctor-recommended brands of supplements.
• Discuss the safety and need for any supplement with the doctor before use.
• List any supplements taken when a medical provider needs a list of medications used.
• Never take more of the product than the recommended amount.
• Use all products before the expiration date or throw away any expired amounts.
• Do not buy products from companies that claim their brands are miracle cures.

About the Author

Dr. Dana Cohen is a leading Manhattan Integrative Medicine Practitioner and author. From hormonal imbalances and autoimmune conditions to cardiovascular disease and gut health, she is renowned for her commitment to finding the root of dysfunction in the body and providing holistic protocols that effectively restore balance and well-being. Learn more by visiting her website at DrDanaCohen.com