Should I Take a Supplement The University of

Should I Take a Supplement? The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Supplements Are Only a Safety Belt • They do not replace a healthy diet and regular physical activity • We don’t even know all the nutrients in one single food

But There are Possible Benefits • May reduce risk for heart attacks • May lower risk for colorectal cancer • May improve brain function • May improve immunity

Supplemental Drinks • No proven benefit in healthy adults • Some benefit for those who are bedridden in preserving muscle mass

What Brands are Better? • Store brands just as good • Buy senior formulas without iron unless anemic • In general, don’t exceed 100% of Daily Value (%DV) unless recommended by doctor

Nutrients that Probably Need Supplementing • B 12 – Synthetic doesn’t need stomach acid to be absorbed • Folic Acid – Synthetic better absorbed • Vitamin D – Just need a lot

Vitamin D • If in sun 2 -3 times per week in Southern U. S. for 15 minutes at a time may not need supplement • Otherwise need a total of about 400 -600 I. U. from supplements and low fat or skim milk.

Glucosamine-Chondroitin • May help with arthritis pain relief • Seems to have greater effect if severe pain

Fish Oil • American Heart Association only recommends for those with heart disease • Eat fish high in omega -3 fatty acids twice a week • Don’t mix with blood thinners

Supplements that May or May Not Help • Calcium – recent study questioned its benefit for osteoporosis prevention • Vitamin E –controlled studies discount its benefit for heart and cancer prevention

Supplements Not Controlled • FDA does not approve like other drugs • FDA has to prove unsafe or ineffective after on market • Just because recalled, doesn’t mean not being still sold • If have bad reaction, report to FDA • Call 1 -800 -322 -1088

can’t be sure supplement contains the ingredients in the doses listed

Dangerous Supplements • • Aristolochia Yohimbe Bitter Orange Organ and glandular extract • • Chapparral Comfrey Kava Pennyroyal oil Lobelia Germander Androstenedione

Take Supplements Safely • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what you are taking to prevent drug interactions • Don’t use any for weight control • If having surgery, ask doctor if should be stop taking 2 -3 weeks ahead

Question the Claims • Who is promoting the supplement? • Are they trying to educate or sell? • Do they have valid studies from wellknown journals to prove effectiveness? • Does this sound too good to be true? • Are they encouraging you to promote to others? • Could this be harmful to you or your pocketbook?

WArning Don’t stop a drug to take a supplement without consulting with the doctor first!

Summary • A daily multivitamin may help • Do not take more than 100% of the Daily Value without your doctor’s advice • Buy store brands • Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the drugs and supplements you take

Check your knowledge • True or false. Store brands of vitamins are not as good as name brands. • True or false. You may need a supplement with Vitamin D. • Are you more or less likely to take large doses of supplements?