Dietary supplements are a common way to get vitamins and minerals, especially in areas where fruits and vegetables may be hard to find.
But the truth is that many supplements don’t have proven health benefits and some carry harmful side effects. That’s why it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before you start taking any new supplement.
Cost
Popular supplements are an ever-growing industry that Americans spend billions of dollars on every year. They’re often associated with health benefits, and they can help fill nutritional gaps in a diet. Despite their popularity, researchers have found that the best way to keep your body healthy is by focusing on diet and exercise. And don’t be fooled by the cost of dietary supplements: Studies have shown that a small number of cheap, low-quality products are just as effective as high-priced, premium brands.
To save money, look for supplements that have been thoroughly tested by ConsumerLab to ensure they are safe and high-quality. Some companies even provide certificates of analysis (COAs) that can be easily accessed using QR labels on their packaging. These companies are trusted by consumers and will help you make the right choice for your body.
Side effects
Many people don’t realize that supplements, like prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, can cause side effects. In fact, consumers have reported a lot of them, including problems with heart and kidney health, aches, allergic reactions and even fatalities. These side effects aren’t always serious, but they should not be taken lightly. That’s why the FDA recommends that people report any side effects to their doctor if they think they’re happening. The agency’s database is the most comprehensive of its kind, and it contains thousands of reports on serious adverse events. But the most important thing is to know what to look out for, and how to avoid them. To help you do that, ConsumerLab’s experts have compiled the pros and cons of five popular supplements from its 2021 list of the best-selling ones.
Safety
While supplements have become an increasingly popular way to support health, they do come with their own risks. Because of this, you should always consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your regimen. For example, they may not be safe to take if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and they can interact with medications that you’re taking, so it’s a good idea to avoid them if you have an underlying medical condition.
Some supplements have been recalled in recent years, due to concerns about safety. For example, several vitamin and mineral supplements sold in the United States have been found to contain pharmaceutical ingredients that were once a part of prescription drugs. This includes drugs such as Viagra, which were used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Although some supplements do have significant benefits, research suggests that they’re not safe in the same way that prescription drugs are. For this reason, it’s important to read the labels and make sure that the product you purchase is made from high-quality ingredients.
In addition to checking the label, you can also look for the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Verified or NSF International certifications on the packaging. These organizations set rigorous standards for quality, purity, and potency that can help consumers determine which products are safe to use. In addition, you should never purchase a supplement that’s not on the recommended list or that contains more than the recommended amount of any ingredient.
Reputation
Reputation is what people believe about you, your company, product or service. It is a powerful force that has built civilizations, created culture and sparked genocide. But it can also be a cause of concern, especially when it comes to dietary supplements. Despite all the hype and marketing, some supplements can actually harm your health, especially if you have an existing health condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding. So it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons before making a decision on whether to take a particular supplement.
While the most popular supplement is vitamin D (purchased by 66% of survey respondents), it’s not the only one that has gained in popularity over the past year. Other top performers include CoQ10, multivitamins, probiotics and herbs like curcumin and turmeric. While there are a lot of supplements available, experts say that vitamins and minerals continue to be the most popular. For example, vitamin D is a vital vitamin that helps improve bone health, prevent diseases such as diabetes and cancer, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. So if you want to get your daily dose of vitamin D, it’s best to talk to your healthcare team before adding any supplements to your routine.
