Combining several supplements or taking doses higher than recommended may increase the risk of harm, according to Kitchin. Eating food won't lead to toxic doses of nutrients, but taking supplements can. Manufacturers can add vitamins, minerals and other supplement ingredients to the foods you eat, such as breakfast cereals and beverages. Taking more than you need can be costly and may also increase the risk of side effects.
For instance, too much vitamin A can cause headaches, liver damage, reduce bone strength and cause birth defects. Excess iron can lead to nausea and vomiting and can damage the liver and other organs. Dietary supplements are products manufactured with the goal of providing the body with the nutrients it lacks, Walls explains. They can interfere with prescription drugs you're taking, weakening or making them more powerful. Supplements are ingested and come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, softgels, powders, sticks, gummies and liquids.
In general, even if a product is labeled as a dietary supplement, a product intended to treat, prevent, cure or alleviate the symptoms of a disease is a drug and is subject to all the requirements applicable to medications. The Office of Dietary Supplements website has a helpful form that you can print and complete at home. If you think you've had an adverse reaction to a dietary supplement, tell your healthcare provider. Be careful when taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Nearly all supplements are meant to be taken daily and it's beneficial to take each individual supplement at the same time every day. It's important to understand all the uses of a given supplement before taking it.
Tell your healthcare providers (including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and dieticians) about any dietary supplements you are taking. Supplements can affect the way your body responds to anesthesia and medications you may need before, during and after surgery. Whether or not to take a supplement with food depends on the supplement. The most important question consumers have about supplements is often the best practices for taking them. Supplements can increase or decrease the amount of medication that stays in the body regardless of the dose you take.
Therefore, it's essential to talk to a health professional to help you decide if a supplement is right for you. When considering taking multiple dietary supplements at once, it's important to understand that combining several supplements or taking doses higher than recommended may increase the risk of harm. Eating food won't lead to toxic doses of nutrients but taking supplements can. It's also important to note that manufacturers can add vitamins, minerals and other supplement ingredients to foods like breakfast cereals and beverages. Taking more than what is needed can be costly and may also increase the risk of side effects. It's essential for consumers to understand all the uses of a given supplement before taking it.
It's also important to tell your healthcare providers (including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and dieticians) about any dietary supplements you are taking as they can interfere with prescription drugs you're taking or weaken them. Additionally, supplements can affect how your body responds to anesthesia and medications you may need before, during and after surgery. When considering taking multiple dietary supplements at once it's important to talk to a health professional first in order to decide if it is right for you. It's also beneficial to take each individual supplement at the same time every day in order for it to be effective.
