Do Health Supplements Work?
Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals and other substances designed to
enhance your nutrition brtagandturf. They are available in many forms, including pills, powders,
tablets, liquids, bars and gummies. Most of these supplements are marketed to
promote overall wellness, treat health conditions and prevent illness or injury.
However, there is no guarantee that any supplement will work. In fact, some
supplements can even be harmful when taken in large amounts.
If you’re considering a new supplement, do your homework. Look for noncommercial
sources of information, such as government or academic websites. It’s also
important to remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not
regulate or endorse most herbal supplements. So, if you decide to purchase
supplements, be sure they are made by reputable manufacturers and that their
products follow good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and labeling regulations. You
should also read the product label carefully and look for a seal from an organization
that tests supplements such as ConsumerLab or NSF International.
Some dietary supplements have been proven to improve your health, such as
calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, omega-3 fatty acids for heart health or a
combination of zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin to slow further vision loss in
people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But most have not been
shown to be effective at preventing disease or slowing aging. And some may even
be harmful if you’re taking certain medications or have specific health conditions,
such as pregnancy or diabetes.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is that a healthy diet and lifestyle are still the
most important things you can do for your health. Whether you choose to take
supplements or not, they should be part of your wellness arsenal, along with
exercising, eating good-for-you foods and getting plenty of sleep.
It is also important to recognize that supplements do not replace a balanced diet. If
you’re unsure how to incorporate supplements into your daily routine, consider
speaking with a registered dietitian, who can help you develop a diet that’s right for
you and your family.
In addition to a diet of whole foods, it’s important to limit sugary beverages and
reduce stress levels. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can also help
boost your immune system and support healthy aging.