IS THERE NUTRITIONAL VALUE IN TAKING NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS?

Bridget RobertsKaplan University

What are nutritional supplements?

Nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, meal supplements, sports nutrition products, natural food supplements, and other related products used to boost the nutritional content of the diet (Thefreedictonary.com, 2014).

What types are there?

Powders Bars Liquids Pills Capsules

Purpose of Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements are used for many purposes. They can be added to the diet to boost overall health and energy; to provide immune system support and reduce the risks of illness and age-related conditions; to improve performance in athletic and mental activities; and to support the healing process during illness and disease. However, most of these products are treated as food and not regulated as drugs are (thefreedictonary.com, 2014).

Who uses them?

Athletes Individuals trying to lose weight Weight lifters Vegetarians Individuals who do not receive the

correct amount of nutrients and vitamins

Dangers

Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body

Using supplements with medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter)

Substituting supplements for prescription medicines

Taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron

(FDA.gov, 2013)

Dangers that can be surprising

Supplements are not risk-free Some supplements are really prescription

drugs You can overdose on vitamins and minerals You can’t depend on warning labels None are proved to cure major diseases Heart and cancer protection are not proved You may not need supplements at all (consumersreports.org, 2012)

The Good, Bad and the Ugly...

Protein supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Etcheverry, P. ,2011). Excessive usage of supplements can cause buildups in the body

Supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases.

Used as a substance by man to supplement the diet by increasing total dietary intake (FDA.gov, 2013)

Recommendations from the FDA

Watch out for false statements like:  A quick and effective "cure-all" Can treat or cure diseases "Totally safe" or has "no side

effects" Be aware that the term natural

doesn't always mean safe. Don't assume that even if a

product may not help you, at least it won't hurt you.

When searching for supplements on the Web, use the sites of respected organizations, rather than doing blind searches.

Ask your health-care provider for help in distinguishing between reliable and questionable information.

Always remember — safety first!

Ask yourself does it sound too good to be true?(FDA.gov, 2013)

Resources for more information

See Health Fraud Scams for general information on fraudulent dietary supplements.

See the FDA's Tainted Supplements page for a list of some of the potentially hazardous dietary supplements marketed to consumers.

Questions?

References Consumers report (2012). Consumer Report Magazine. 10 Surprising dangers of vitamins and supplements. Retrieved from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/09/10-surprising-dangers-of-vitamins-and-supplements/index.htm

Etcheverry, P. (2011). Health and Wellness Articles. Nutrition; Protein. Retrieved from http://healthandwellness.kaplan.edu/articles/nutrition/Protein%20Supplements.html#cont

FDA(2013). Food. Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/ucm109760.htm

Thefreedictonary.com (2014). Definition of Nutritional Supplements. Definition. Retrieved from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Nutritional+Supplements

Thefreedictonary.com (2014). Definition of Nutritional Supplements. Purpose. Retrieved from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Nutritional+Supplements