How do you know if a supplement is safe?

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How are Supplements Approved for Sale?
 

Manufacturers of dietary supplements must obtain FDA approval by providing convincing evidence that a specific supplement is both safe and effective.

However, unlike prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal products and/or supplements are not tested to ensure their validity and/or safety. 

Once a dietary supplement has been marketed, the only way a product can be restricted or removed is if the FDA can prove that the product is unsafe.


Are There Risks Associated with Supplements? 
 
The FDA states: "Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations and hurt or complicate your health. For example, the following actions could lead to harmful -- even life-threatening -- consequences:"

• Combining supplements
• Using supplements with medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter)
• Substituting supplements for prescription medicines
• Taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron
• Taking contraindicated supplements before, during and/or after surgery

It is important that you always tell your health care providers (doctor, dietitian, pharmacist, etc) of the supplements you are taking.

 If I need to take a supplement, how do I know what is Safe to Purchase?

If you take supplements, or plan to take supplements, do your homework first. Check out these resources for reliable and scientific information:


Consumerlab.com - Supplement brands must pass product reviews or voluntary certification to be posted on this website. If the product "passes," the manufacturer may then purchase a license to use the Consumer Lab seal of approval.


US pharmacopeia - www.usp.org is an independent testing agency. If product passes ingredient and product integrity, purity and potency tests, then the manufacturer may display USP Verified Dietary Supplement on their product label.


NSF Dietary Supplement Certification -
 www.nsf.org: The NSF mark means the product has undergone third-party testing for identity, purity, quality and consistency.



Additionally, you may find free publications, clearinghouses and information on The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS).