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In this article:
The truth about supplements
Does vitamin E really help artery function? Can the fish oils called
omega-3 fatty acids actually reduce high levels of cholesterol?
Are the B vitamins helpful for lowering homocysteine levels? Does
garlic cut triglyceride levels? Advertisements and testimonials
aside, the jury is still out on the supposed benefits of these dietary
supplements, also called nutraceuticals.
Many people take dietary supplements every day, including heart patients, according
to a new survey presented at the 2002 Annual Meeting of the American
College of Cardiology. In this study, more than 70% of patients
discharged after a hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome
used some form of alternative medicine (also known as complementary
medicine) in addition to taking their regular, prescribed medications.
On average, they spent almost $100 per month on non-traditional
therapies. Many favored food supplements, herbs, or vitamins—half
the patients took daily doses of vitamin E, thought by some
to help protect against heart disease.1
People tend to believe dietary supplements are safe, since many come from plants.
Some people also believe that if a claim is made about a supplement's
effect, it must be true. But, be cautious—safety and usefulness
are not necessarily a sure thing.
The United States Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements.2
They are classified as foods, and include vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, botanicals, and other substances.
Even though they are regulated, dietary supplements usually do
not undergo the same rigorous testing applied to prescription and
over-the-counter medications. So they are by no means proven safe,
and no one knows for sure if they can be taken without unreasonable
risk for illness or injury. Their effectiveness has probably not
been proven, either, so whether these substances will actually work
to prevent or reverse illness is largely guesswork.
Some supplements can cause side effects. Others can interact with
some of your prescription medicines. These problems could affect
the way your medicines work and how well they control your illness.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994
added safety and labeling requirements for all dietary supplements.
Each manufacturer must voluntarily assure their product is safe
and doesn't contain any substances that aren't included on the label.
Manufacturers also can't make claims about the product that aren't
supported by adequate evidence. The FDA
plans to enact another law in the future that will provide guidelines
for the manufacture and distribution of supplements.
In the meantime, use supplements with caution. Tell your doctor of any supplements
you are taking, and ask about the use of supplements—especially
because of possible side effects and interactions with your medications.
 
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Sources
1. Kline-Rogers, E.M., et al. "Adherence
With Traditional Medication and Complementary and Alternative
Medicine Use Six Months After Hospital Discharge In Patients With
Acute Coronary Syndromes." American College of Cardiology Annual
Meeting, 2002. Abstract #1122A-170.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"An FDA Guide to Dietary Supplements." FDA Consumer. January
1999.
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdsupp.html. Accessed October 18, 2005.
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