DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS SUMMARY

Dietary Supplements
SCI/241
University of Phoenix

Dietary supplements are substances that we drink or eat, they are classified as follows:
Minerals
Herbs
Botanicals
Amino acids
Enzymes
Vitamins
Dietary supplements are found as follows:
Tablet
Liquids
Gel Caps
Capsule
Pills
Powders
Examples of dietary supplements:
Vitamins B, C, D, & E
Zinc
Omega-3
Fish oil
Fiber
Folic acid
Iron
Calcium

All of the above can assist us in ensuring that the body gets an adequate amount of essential nutrients or reduce the risk of a disease adding value to a healthy diet substituting for the lack of nutrients in the body. Dietary supplements are not a “cure” for diseases. They add to foods we eat for the nutrients that are lacking and/or are not present. Dietary supplements can also assist where a deficiency in the body if found as they provide the basic micronutrients for the body (vitamins and minerals.)

The benefits of taking dietary supplements. A healthy and balanced diet should be able to provide all the nutrients from a well-balanced diet. Taking dietary supplements can be beneficial as they can provide the minerals and vitamins the body lacks or where there are deficiencies reducing the risk of a disease. Dietary supplements are not used to prevent, diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any diseases. An example of this would be folic acid levels in the body, along with reducing the risk of a birth defect called spina bifida. Large doses of Niacin can raise low cholesterol.

Some of the risks from taking dietary supplements can be that few of the supplements contain active ingredients that can affect the body and some can even complicate someone’s health or cause life threatening consequences. One of the worse dietary aids supplement is “diet” products. Vitamins and mineral supplements can pose dangerous intake dosages. For example, vitamin B-6 (water-soluble) if the body does not store this supplement appropriately by taking large amounts it can cause nerve’s problems, large amounts of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, vitamins A and D it can cause toxic build up in the body when taken over a long period of time in large doses. Is important to keep in mind that some dietary supplements can interact with prescribed drugs, medications and other vitamins and minerals. Staying away from vendors who make misleading claims is recommendable.

The government regulations surrounding dietary supplements in the US are that dietary supplements are not regulated the same way as prescription drugs. Dietary supplement vendors don’t need to prove that their products they market are either effective or safe it is up to the buyer to decide. The government regulates dietary supplements under different regulations than those of drugs and foods products. If the government finds that the product is unsafe or false advertisement, they take action against the vendor by issuing a warning or removing the product from the marketplace.

A person suffering from Arthritis can be recommended to treat the disease by taking a dietary supplement of Omega-3 that is anti-inflammatory. Omega-3 is fish oil found in foods such as tuna and salmon. Studies revealed that fish oil is good in Arthritis or chronic inflammatory disease. Fish oil has proven benefits in decreased pain and joint stiffness. The risk of taking too much fish oil may cause some bleeding, especially if it is being taken with other prescribed medications. Fish oil dietary supplements can interact with other drugs where there is a high blood pressure condition.

The supplement facts label of Omega-3 fatty acids has no mentioning that this dietary supplement can treat Arthritis. A disclaimer says that the product has not been evaluated by the FDA, and the product is not intended to cure any diseases or health conditions.

REFERENCES “Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids.” Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, 2005.
“Dietary Reference Intakes: Guiding Principles for Nutrition Labeling and Fortification.” Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, 2003.
Barrett, Stephen. 2007. "How the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 Weakened the FDA." Quackwatch retrieved February 17, 2015.

References: “Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids.” Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, 2005. “Dietary Reference Intakes: Guiding Principles for Nutrition Labeling and Fortification.” Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, 2003. Barrett, Stephen. 2007. "How the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 Weakened the FDA." Quackwatch retrieved February 17, 2015.