Here are some steps consumers can take to make sure the supplements they use are safe and beneficial.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Even helpful products can be harmful, for example, if you're pregnant or nursing, have a chronic disease, taking a medication that interacts adversely with the supplement, or are about to undergo elective surgery.
Beware of these categories. Supplements for weight loss, sexual enhancement, and bodybuilding have been problematic, the FDA said, because some contain steroids and prescription drugs.
Look for the "USP Verified" mark. It indicates that the supplement manufacturer has voluntarily asked U.S. Pharmacopeia, a trusted nonprofit, private standard-setting authority, to verify the quality, purity and potency of its raw ingredients or finished products. USP posts a list of verified products on its website at www.uspverified.org.
Don't assume more is better. It's possible to overdose even on beneficial vitamins and minerals. Avoid any product that claims to contain "megadoses."
Report problems. Let your doctor know if you experience any symptoms after you start taking a supplement. And if you end up with a serious side effect, ask your doctor or pharmacist to report it to the FDA, or do it yourself at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-332-1088.
***Please, do not BELIEVE all ads!
Check with your physician before trying anything!
Research in the right places. Be skeptical about claims made for supplements in ads, on TV and by sales staff. If a claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Consumer Reports provides several online links for assessing supplements at http://www.consumerreportshealth.org/.
SEPTEMBER 2010
© Consumers Union 2010.
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