Most Common Side Effects Of Dietary Supplements

As the name suggests, dietary supplements are substances intended to supplement an individual's regular diet. Herbs, vitamins, minerals, and herbs are all classified as dietary supplements, and they are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as food products. Under current regulations, dietary supplements do not undergo the same tests medications must pass to be sold. Nevertheless, most doctors recommend patients take a multivitamin, and some dietary supplements such as iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and fish oil could help in the case of nutritional deficiencies or as protection against cardiovascular disease. Supplements may not be safe for everyone, and experts encourage patients to check with a doctor before taking a supplement; this is especially important for patients who are taking other medicines and for those with underlying health conditions. Patients scheduled for surgery may need to stop taking certain supplements for a few days or weeks before their operation. When taking a supplement, patients should never take more than the recommended dose on the label, and they should let their doctor know if they develop any worrying symptoms.