A United States survey in 2007 found that about 18% of adults used natural products (dietary supplements other than vitamins and minerals) over the previous year. . www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr012.pdf Health supplements have become an important part of personal health care management. Herbal remedies, vitamins, and mineral supplements can help us lead a healthier life, reduce the probability of disease, and even slow the process of aging. Research supports the beneficial effects of certain supplements, and research is ongoing for many other products.
This web site features a video by Dr. Mark Hyman, author of The 7 Keys to Ultrawellness, on eating the right foods to obtain most of the nutrients that we need for basic health and the need for supplements to compensate for certain nutrient needs. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/the-7-keys-to-ultrawellne_b_219171.html A guide for how to wisely choose a health supplements is also given. . A listing of relevant links, news and blog sections are also featured for further research into health supplements.
Most Commonly Used Health Supplements in the United States
The 2007 survey found the following usage frequency among survey takers: Fish oil/omega 3/DHA (37.4%), glucosamine (19.9%), Echinacea (19.8%), flaxseed oil or pills (15.9%), and ginseng (14.1%). www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr012.pdf Dietary supplements are frequently used by consumers despite that fact that they are not approved for that use.
A 2002-2003 survey of 11,200 adults in the United States showed that about 21% of the women and 10 percent of the men had used weight loss supplements during the year. Only about a third of those surveyed consulted with a doctor prior to taking the supplements. Long term use was common. A weight loss supplement containing ephedra (a stimulant), caffeine, with or without bitter orange, was used by about 75% of survey takers. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=192673 Ephedra was banned in 2004 due to its adverse health effects. http://www.canyons.edu/offices/Health/NutritionCoach/Nu101/fatburners.asp
How to Choose a Herbal Supplement
- Investigate thoroughly the herbs you are taking regarding active ingredients, relevant clinical trials, and dosage recommendations. How long can you take this herb before you need to take a break?
- On the supplement container, there should either be a label or seal saying "USP Dietary Supplement Verified," or certifications from Consumerlab.com, Good Housekeeping, or NSF.
- Purchase products that contain a single herb of a known dose. Mixtures often do not have proportions of all the components.
- Be cautions of outrageous claims. Check the internet for reviews from trusted sources, such as the University of Maryland Medical Center site.
- Supplements from Europe and the United States are more likely to be standardized. Be cautious about herbs from other countries because toxic ingredients are sometimes present.
- Be alert for possible side effects and either reduce the dosage or stop taking the supplement completely.
- Do research on the manufacturer from whom you are purchasing the supplement. Do they do product research? Are their products standardized based on known active ingredients? http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/adult_cam/herbal.cfm
The First Key to a Healthy Body is Good Food
Dr. Mark Hyman has an interesting presentation on healthy eating - what foods to eat and the beneficial chemicals that our bodies receive from eating healthy, fresh foods. That being said, he points out that much of our food is produced from nutrient depleted soils, so a good multivitamin supplement is needed for everyone. These supplements should include a calcium + magnesium source, fish oil, and a high quality multivitamin that contains folic acid. He also recommends that carbohydrates should be the single most important food in the diet, however the carbohydrates should be in the form of whole, unprocessed plant foods. They are a rich source of sustainable energy, fiber and phytonutrients, which include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Patients of Dr. Hyman who have had these supplement corrections have a better mood, feel better, have improved mental sharpness and more energy. He has seen depression and anxiety go away or lessen in severity by addressing nutritional deficiencies.
References
Fast Facts
-
Dietary Supplements
Synonym for health supplements. Official term used by the United States Food and Drug Administration
-
Forms of health supplements
-
Types of claims allowed by the FDA
Health, nutrient, and structure function
