Choosing a quality supplement brand can be a daunting task, especially with the limited regulation of dietary supplements by the FDA. To ensure the safety and accuracy of a product, it is important to look for supplements that have been certified by a third-party testing organization. Examples of these organizations include NSF International, US Pharmacopeia (USP), Underwriters Laboratory, and Consumer Lab. These organizations verify that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label and does not contain any potentially harmful ingredients.
Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are the best sources of dietary fiber, but many people need to take supplements to meet their nutritional goals. However, consuming the same nutrients in supplement form may not reduce the risk of death from heart disease or any other cause (1). Pharmacist and herbalist Simon Yeung offers advice on how to determine if an herb or dietary supplement contains what's listed on the label. It is important to be aware that many multi-level marketing companies sell dietary supplements, which are often advertised to support various aspects of health.
Because nearly all supplements are used without medical supervision or monitoring, most of the approximately 50,000 adverse reactions that occur in the United States each year go unreported. What a U. S. consumer calls a dietary supplement, for example, a person from another country might consider a conventional food or medicine. It is also important to be aware that certain supplements may have adverse drug interactions.
For example, vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood-thinning medications, while calcium supplements may limit the effectiveness of antibiotics and reduce the absorption of iron from foods and supplements (28, 2). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid herbal supplements unless recommended by a medical provider (2).The USP is a non-profit organization that establishes what are considered to be the most accepted standards for dietary supplements. When selecting a supplement brand, it is important to look for one that has been certified by an independent third-party testing organization such as NSF International, US Pharmacopeia (USP), Underwriters Laboratory, or Consumer Lab. Additionally, it is important to be aware of potential drug interactions and adverse reactions associated with certain supplements. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid herbal supplements unless recommended by a medical provider (2).
