hcp pdf (1)

1. Dietary Supplements - Benefits Dietary supplements-ensuring you get the benefits, Our bodies depend on the continuous supply of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to maintain our health throughout our lives. However, getting all the essential nutrients we need from food alone can be challenging. Although dietary supplements cannot replace healthy eating habits, they can provide sufficient amounts of essential nutrients if used reasonably. In fact, nearly three-fifths of Americans use supplements every month to benefit their health. If you are an informed consumer, dietary supplements can play an important role in a healthy lifestyle. Here are some questions and answers you need to know about safe options and dietary supplement intake. What is a dietary supplement? Dietary supplements are products that contain vitamins, minerals, plant or herbal ingredients, amino acids (components of proteins), and enzymes (complex proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions). They are typically sold in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. Dietary supplements are not drugs and cannot cure disease, but they are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Are dietary supplements safe? Consumers must be convinced that the manufacturers of dietary supplements have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their products and must follow a series of standards designed to ensure the quality of their products' manufacturing and labeling. If a serious problem related to the supplement occurs, such as side effects, the manufacturer must report it to the FDA as an

2. adverse event. If the food supplement is determined to be unsafe or the product claim is false and misleading, the FDA may recall the dietary supplement from the market. However, it is important to get as much information about dietary supplements as possible before taking them. Although the Internet can provide a lot of useful information, it is often difficult to know whether the information is accurate. The basic rule of thumb to remember is that if it sounds too good to be true, then it may be true. If you have any questions, you can always consult your healthcare provider or contact the product manufacturer directly. Who benefits from dietary supplements? People take dietary supplements for various reasons, including: Maintaining overall health Supporting mental and exercise-related performance Supporting the immune system However, some people may need them in particular, including: Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant- Women who may become pregnant should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from food or supplements to prevent birth defects. Folic acid is a B vitamin and is necessary for the production of genetic material (including DNA). It can be used as a prenatal vitamin, which also contains beneficial levels of iron and calcium. Elderly: As we age, we may need certain vitamins and minerals more than young people. These may include calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone strength, vitamin B6, which helps to form red blood cells, and vitamin B12, which helps maintain nerves and red blood cells. People with food allergies or dietary restrictions: If you are a vegetarian, have food allergies or lactose intolerance, or have

3. difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients, dietary supplements can provide significant benefits. Should I discuss dietary supplements with my healthcare provider? Short answer: yes! Although dietary supplements can be obtained without a prescription from a healthcare provider, there are important reasons to include them in the conversation. is at the top of the list - Dietary supplements can interact with the prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you're taking, so be sure to consult an expert who understands the big picture. Your healthcare provider can help you find the right supplement. It is also important to inform your healthcare provider about the dietary supplements you are taking while being treated for a medical condition (such as heart disease or high blood pressure) or if you are or may be pregnant. How can I get more information about the dietary supplements I am taking? A good starting point is the product label. The FDA requires all dietary supplements to have certain information on their labels, including ingredient lists and "supplemental information" labels. The "Supplement Facts" label includes a Daily Value (DV) table that tells you the percentage of the daily requirement provided by each nutrient in the product. For example, if the label says 80% of your daily vitamin C intake, this means that one dose can provide 80% of your daily vitamin C requirement. These numbers are based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet, so treat them as estimates. The label will also show you the correct serving size, and you should take these instructions seriously. The FDA recently requested changes to the "Supplement Facts" label that all manufacturers of dietary supplements must adhere

4. to. These changes are designed to better give you the information you need to make healthy, informed decisions, including: 4,444 new Daily Values (DV) to reflect the latest nutritional science and the ever-changing U.S. diet vitamins A and DYE are now measured in milligrams (mg) or micrograms (mcg). Folic acid will appear as folic acid and measured in micrograms (mcg) of dietary folate equivalent (DFE). For products that contain sugar, now see the amount and the DV percentage. For more information on these dietary supplement label changes, consult your healthcare provider. Does it sound like there is a lot to consider? Keeping a journal can be a good way to stay on track. You can download this form to create a general record of your medications and supplements, including the amount and time of use of each product. Are there any side effects of eating diet foods that should be paid attention to?