Consider the Pros & Cons Before Choosing Supplements

Supplements for Weight Loss & Sports Performance Have Invaded the Market

Supplements come in different forms, with different benefits and from different manufacturers. How can you decide on the authenticity of a supplement?

Some Key Pointers…

• Supplements contain different ingredients such as minerals, vitamins, herbs and other botanicals. Manufacturers are not liable to mention all the ingredients used in a supplement owing to secrecy issues and research has confirmed the health benefits of some dietary supplements but not all.
• Some dietary supplements can create harmful effect in people under certain medications or having a medical problem.
• Read and follow label instructions to use a supplement safely. Any supplement labeled ‘natural’ does not mean that it is ‘safe’. Even herbal supplements contain many compounds that are not plant-based.

Before Purchasing a Supplement

Before buying a supplement, remember these key things.

1. Be frank with your physician and explain about the complementary health approaches you use. Brief him/her on all that you do to keep yourself healthy to enable the physician to make the right decision regarding your health concern.
2. Inform your physician if you:
   a. Are under medication currently. Some supplements interact with the medicines and have a harmful effect on the body. To be aware of such medicine-supplement interactions, please visit the website www.firsteatright.com.
   b. Plan to replace certain medicines with certain supplements.
   c. Are pregnant, nursing or trying for a baby as most supplements have not been tested on pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.
   d. Have any medical conditions as some supplements might harm the person if he/she has any medical conditions. Prescribing supplements containing iron for people suffering from hemochromatosis (hereditary disease where there is very high iron accumulation in the body) can elevate iron levels and lead to complications such as liver disease.
3. Following label instructions is best advised while taking any supplement. Don’t settle for any dosage unless and until it has been recommended by your physician. If you experience any side effects after starting, stop it immediately and notify your health care provider.
4. Herbal supplements contain compounds that are not plant-based. It might sometimes not contain the compounds mentioned in the ingredients list or the quantities specified and the quantities actually present might be different. The herbal supplement might even be contaminated with other herbs, pesticides, metals or even contain prescription drugs.
5. Check the label contents. It should contain the name of the supplement, name and address of the manufacturer, complete ingredients list along with the active ingredients and the serving size.
6. Ensure that a supplement has not been recalled due to some health hazards or any other reason.

Even after confirming all these conditions, question yourself once again on the purpose of using a supplement. Also, question yourself if the need can be compensated with healthy foods or drinks. Despite all this, if you still feel the requirement for supplements, get one with utmost care and precaution.