supplement you’re looking for.
Vitamins and minerals are among the most researched supplements. However, some supplements may have poor research. This is typical of herbal supplements. (Certain herbal supplements are well-studied, but others with less conclusive studies garner most of the focus.)
Before beginning a new supplement, consult a trusted medical professional to confirm its safety and efficacy. Signs that a supplement is untested include:
- There is only animal or in vitro research.
- Small sample sizes characterize the investigations.
- Studies are few.
National Institutes of Health fact sheets on dietary supplements provide further information (NIH). These summaries contain high-quality information on various supplements and are a wonderful location to learn what the research says regarding safety, effectiveness, and dose. “Also, avoid taking more than the prescribed dose on the label unless otherwise directed by a medical practitioner working on your care,” Mesa says.
RELATED: Buyer Beware: Your Supplements May Have Unsafe Ingredients
Drug-Nutrient Interactions Are A Thing, And You Should Prepare Accordingly
Certain supplements can interact with medications and vice versa. This can result in altered absorption or metabolism of a medication—causing it to work faster, slower, or not at all. Conversely, certain medications can deplete certain nutrient stores and lead to deficiencies. “For example, St. John’s Wort, a popular supplement taken for depression, may make birth control meds less effective and reduce the effectiveness of other drugs like immunosuppressants. And vitamin E can interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding,” says Mesa.
That being said, before starting a new supplement, speak with your healthcare team to ensure there are no potential drug-nutrient interactions.
Supplements Aren’t Always A Good Idea For Folks With Health Conditions
Before supplementing, certain health issues should be considered. These people should be extremely cautious while using supplements:
- Patients with liver disease
- Infected people
- Diseased kidneys
- Radiation or chemotherapy patients
Certain supplements may interfere with therapy. Supplements may have negative effects if you have one of these disorders. Again, we don’t encourage avoiding supplements but recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before beginning a new one.