Myth: Since dietary supplements are made from herbs and other natural substances they can’t harm you
However, that is just a common myth and in reality they cause many adverse effects such as allergic reactions and toxicity. On the contrary, some herbal medications can be beneficial, but it is the amount you intake that can affect you. If you are taking any medications, you must be aware of the possible effects.
Myth: All dietary supplements are the same and therefore they are all safe
“The truth is that the ingredients in dietary supplements can vary greatly in quality and efficacy.” “Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed” and it is the FDA’s responsibility to take action against any unsafe supplement (FDA.org) However, “manufacturers do not need to register their products with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements”. This concern is especially true for herbal supplements, since capsules and bottles may not have the same amount of the supplement. However, many people believe that because the supplements are natural, they are safe. This myth is false because they are many adverse reactions that can occur when taking dietary supplements and prescriptions or OTC drugs. For example, according to Consumer Health Care, women taking oral contraceptives shouldn’t take certain medicines, such as St. Johns Wort, because it makes the birth control less effective. To avoid any potentially dangerous drug interactions, the best thing to do is talk to a doctor or pharmacist for instruction. It is also extremely important for nurses to ask their patients if they are taking any dietary supplements, and to teach them about the drug-drug interactions that can occur when taking these drugs together.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/supplmnt.html
Myth: If I take vitamins, I do not have to eat very much.
However, the truth is that vitamins do not work on their own, rather they help release the energy within food. This is much like a car… a car without gas will not run, just like a body without calories will not be able to work to its full potential, unless there is enough energy from food for them to work on. We get our energy from calories, which come from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats not vitamins alone.
Myth: My doctor will think I’m foolish for taking dietary supplements, therefore I should not tell him/her
The truth is that doctors are aware of the value, as well as the dangers of herbs. For example, the effectiveness of St. Johns Wort for depression but the adverse affects it can cause with birth control. It is important for your healthcare provider to know what you are taking so that they are aware of any drug-drug interactions that may occur, and as nurses it is especially important to teach patients about dietary supplements, and ask questions during the assessment process.
By Keecha Harris, MPH, RD
Nutrition Coordinator, JCCEO Head Start and Early Head Start
Birmingham, AL
3 comments:
This was a very interesting blog to read, who ever wrote this really knows what they are talking about! From now on, i will read the labels on the dietary supplement bottles! (if i ever need them). I will also know to ask my doctor for any other information, to make sure i am taking everything the correct way!
I really enjoyed reading this! :)
I did not know that herbal supplements can react with medication. It is good to know that this information is out there. Doctors should require people to list any herbal supplements they are taking in order to serve their patients better. This was beneficial information and I am glad I read it. Thank you!
Good thing I read this article, I was taking my vitamins without food. From now on I will take my vitamins every morning when I eat breakfast to get the full potential of them.
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