The Health Benefits of Using Supplements

Whether you ustservizibs to add some more vitamins or minerals to your diet, or you’re trying to address specific health challenges by amping up your levels of certain nutrients, supplements can help. But you’ll want to check with your doctor or other healthcare professional before starting a new supplement routine. They’ll know your specific medical history and can help you avoid negative reactions to any new additions to your supplement lineup.

Dietary supplements are ingested in many forms, including pills, powders, liquids, bars and gummies. They can be used to maintain or improve overall wellness, address specific health conditions or prevent illness and injury. Each nutrient, herb, botanical and amino acid offers unique potential benefits.

Nutrient Boost: Examining the Positive Impact of Supplements on Your Body and Mind

But because the FDA regulates dietary supplements differently than it does drugs, they aren’t subject to the same testing and verification protocols as prescription medications. And because a majority of supplement sales happen without any medical oversight, the risk for mislabeling and contamination is higher than with prescribed drugs. And just like any prescription or over-the-counter drug, supplements come with their own set of short- and long-term side effects. So always consult your doctor on how much to take, follow the directions on the label and be aware that any supplement can interact with or block the absorption of some medications. Vitamin K, for example, can interfere with blood thinners; ginkgo can increase the effectiveness of antidepressants; and some herbs (including comfrey and kava) can be damaging to your liver.