Nutritional Supplements, Using Your Supplement Smarts

I have always taken nutritional supplements throughout my life. Is it because they work or am I quick to believe there is an easy way out?   Now I do not consider myself a person who is lacking in smarts but have I really been paying attention to what I am taking? If you read my hubs you will find that I have always been a supporter of green tea and of fish oil. I am quick to believe that the benefits they claim to be true are true. (and I also believe I am going to win the lottery one day, but hey that's another story!) Are supplements really good for you? I think they are if use your Supplement Smarts!

When considering taking a nutritional supplement consider the source. If researching on the Web consider the claims that the site is making. Realize with your Supplement smart and that these people are trying to make a sale. The same is true from local GNC sales persons. these happy smiling people will always assure you that taking 2000 mg of fish oil a day is exactly what you need. After all that is what they take!

 If you think there are no risks to taking nutritional Supplements then think again. A standard precaution on nearly all Supplements is to not take if pregnant.  So if you are pregnant be sure to consult your physician before considering any nutritional supplements.  Also the FDA asks you to not make the following assumptions about Dietary Supplements.

• Don't assume if a product won't help you it won't hurt you!
• When they use the term Natural.. it doesn't always mean Safe!
• Never assume a product does not have any side effects.
• Do not exceed the dosage recommendation.  Too much of a good thing can be toxic!

Yep, this simple procedure may only take five minutes of your time but you will much more informed about the product this way. I was surprised when I actually read my labels. I read the back of my favorite Green Tea pills. The claim in they burn fat. They are made of 50% Green Tea extract, Bilberry powder ( eh what's that?) and European Elder powder and grape skin powder. These things help burn fat? Further down there are warnings, not to use if seal is broken, not use if you have high blood pressure and not to use more than recommended. OK nothing out of ordinary for the warnings but I was prompted to look up bilberry. A bunch of websites tout it as a "superfood". When actually it is akin to a wild blueberry.

I have recently started taking B-12 fro a boost in energy. I read it's label. The usual warnings and a claim that states " Vitamin B-12 prevents magaloblastic anemia ( eh? what is that?) by helping to form red blood cells. Vitamin B-12 helps to maintain normal levels of homocysteine which is important for heart and circulatory health. It also plays an important role in the nervous system and the proper function of all body brain and nerve cells." This claim was posted with while letters on a vibrant pink background so it would stand out. Right directly below the this statement was in not so colorful letters " These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease." Seems to be some conflicting information.  The pink babck ground seems to be a clever marketing ploy to catch your attention in the store.   I guess the question is.. is it important for me to take it? Magaloblastic anemia is by the way large immture red blood cells in the bone marrow.

So as you can see even reading the back of the label can be misleading. But at least you are a little more prepared to ask the right questions. Now who to turn to when deciding a supplement? The first obvious choice would be your family physician. he or she will know what is right for you!. Secondly you could turn to your pharmacist. They have knowledge and access to information about what could be right for you. Thirdly, consult the FDA. The Food and Drug Administration passed a law, the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act. It was supposed to create truth in labeling, which may have created more confusion! Please take time to read the page on FDA and Dietary supplements. I was most surprised at the passage that states manufacturers DO NOT have to disclose any evidence that their products meets their claims. I find that amazing! But I guess this is true for any product! You may also find additional information on Dietary Supplements at USDA.gov or at the link below.

If it is too good to be true then it is.  When it comes to our health nothing can replace a good diet and plenty of exercise. Our bodies were designed to benefit from the goodness of fruits and vegetables.  Ideally we should be getting all of our nutrients from the good foods we eat. The most important thing to do when considering a dietary supplement is to assess our own diet and change it to get the things we need. If I feel I need more vitamin b-12 I should be considering eating more tuna. If I feel I need more Omega fatty acids I should be eating more salmon. Supplements can be good for you if you use your common sense. Just don't expect them to fix your poor diet or lack of exercise.It is human nature to believe in the quick fix. Sometimes we are gullible and want to believe we can get something for nothing. Ah but these habits are hard to change. Now if you will excuse me I have to read the rest of my labels and go buy that lottery ticket! :)

 Top photo courtesy of genie4today @ photobucket