Dietary supplementation is a popular, convenient way of boosting nutrients in your body. These products can be found in a wide variety of forms including liquids, bars and gummies. Some supplements are used to treat specific diseases or conditions while others are taken to improve overall health. But it is important to understand that supplements are not the same as medications and that they are not regulated in the same way.
A good meal should always be balanced. Supplements are a great addition to a diet. In addition, most supplements can have serious side effects if they are overused. For example, too much vitamin can damage the liver, while too little iron can cause nausea or vomiting. In contrast, medications have undergone an extensive approval process and are proven to be safe and effective when used according to the instructions.
Most people consider natural dietary supplements to be ancillary products, which should be taken along with a healthy diet and possibly pharmaceutical drugs. These substances are proving to have powerful therapeutic effects on their own. The AREDS formula, which includes vitamins C and E as well as beta-carotene and zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin can help slow down further vision loss among older adults with age related macular degeneration.
Unfortunately, due to the ambiguity that exists in the law as well as the desire by some people to reclassify supplementation as medicine, we are seeing an increase in the number of advertisements for these substances containing disease-related claims. The pharmacokinetics of supplements are the same as those for drugs. Just as drugs must be dosed correctly to avoid toxicities so do supplements.
Prenatal vitamins containing folic acids are recommended to women of childbearing years and pregnant women because a lack of folic is linked to birth defect in the fetus. If the same nutrient is marketed to treat folic acid deficiencies, it must meet the strict standards for medicines.
While most supplements are safe, some may interact with pharmaceuticals. It is important to always discuss any drug or supplements you are taking with a doctor, especially if your illness is serious.
A doctor is your best resource to know about Supplements vs Medications. He or he can give an accurate assessment of your overall health. They can also recommend the most suitable treatments. This includes both medical and surgical options.
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