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Kionna Hicks
Dietary supplements are a source of nutrients. Many also provide substances that are not classified as nutrients.There are many different types of dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs and other substances that are meant to improve your diet. They can come as pills, capsules, powders and liquids. Some of the more common dietary supplements are acidophilus, fiber, ginger, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. The benefits of taking dietary supplements are that one can get an adequate dietary intake of essential nutrients. If a person is not eating a well-balanced meal everyday then they may supplement those needed nutrients with dietary supplements. However, one should not use supplements as a replacement for a well-balanced meal.
There are many risks in taking supplements. Some supplements contain active ingredients that can have a strong biological effect in the body. Using supplements with some medications could be harmful. Substituting supplements for prescription medicines is not a good idea. Taking too much of a supplement such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron can be harmful even life-threatening. According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2012), "If you going to have surgery you need to let your doctor and pharmacist know about any supplements you are taking. Some supplements can also have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery” (Are there risk in taking supplements?). If you choose to take a dietary supplement, whether to ensure an adequate nutrient intake, prevent disease, or optimize health, products must be chosen with care to assure that nutrient needs are met and the risk of toxicity is minimal.
When it comes to government regulations surrounding dietary supplements there are no mandatory standards for the manufacture of dietary supplements, the FDA regulates their labeling and monitors them for safety once they are on the market. Dietary