Dr Dulcy advises on worthy supplements

CAUTION: THERE ARE MANY PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET AND NOT ALL ARE BENEFICIAL

There are benefits and risks associated with dietary supplements.

Normally, you should be able to get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet. The fact, though, is we are constantly exposed to advertisements of supplements and how they can make us healthier and more energetic.

Dietary supplements are products designed to augment your daily intake of nutrients, usually the vitamins and minerals.

Other substances also fall into this category: botanical (herbal) products, amino acids, essential fatty acids and oils, enzymes, probiotics, and animal organ and glandular extracts are all sold as dietary supplements.

Dietary supplements are regulated to some extent but not as strictly as medications. In South Africa, for example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require proof that dietary supplements are safe or effective before they are sold.

Some dietary supplements are safe, and some of them offer actual health benefits, but there can be some risk with their use. Some products are advertised to have health benefits but have no clinical trials demonstrating safety or effectiveness.

While dietary supplement use is considered to be generally safe, there are some things to think about if you’re taking dietary supplements. Always speak with your health care provider if you are:

Taking any medications, as some dietary supplements may have unwanted interactions.

Planning surgery as some supplements can affect bleeding or response to anaesthesia.

Pregnant or nursing, since some supplements can affect the baby.

Thinking about taking a dietary supplement in place of medical treatment.

THE BENEFITS

Taking supplements can provide additional nutrients when your diet is lacking or when certain health conditions cause you to develop an insufficiency or deficiency.

In most cases, multiple-vitamin supplements provide all the basic micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) your body needs.

These multiple vitamins are generally safe because they contain only small amounts of the each nutrient. Individual nutrients can also be sold as dietary supplements, but usually in larger amounts than what’s found in a typical multiple-vitamin.

They may be used to treat a deficiency, such as iron deficiency, but sometimes they’re used therapeutically to treat specific health conditions or risk factors.

For example, large doses of niacin may be used to raise good cholesterol, and folic acid has been used to reduce the risk of a birth defect called spina bifida.

Scientific research supports some of the benefits of using many dietary supplements for certain health conditions, but in many more cases, the effectiveness has not been backed up by the research evidence.

Dietary supplements can be useful for some kids in some circumstances, but it’s always best to speak with your paediatrician before starting your child on any new dietary supplements.

Kids who eat balanced diets shouldn’t need to take supplements, but children who have certain health conditions or have to follow restricted diets might be at risk of some deficiencies.

THE RISKS

In South Africa, dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as drugs; manufacturers do not have to prove that their use is either safe or effective.

Standardisation of supplements is optional, although they are prohibited from selling unsafe products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a list of tainted products that are marketed as dietary supplements.

The worst offenders are usually weight loss aids, “natural” sexual enhancement pills, and supplements targeted at bodybuilders.

Dietary supplement manufacturers do have to follow some rules regarding labelling and the