Claims to treat or cure a disease, consuming too much of an ingredient without realizing it, and interactions with other drugs are just some of the things to be aware of when taking dietary supplements. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed, so it is up to manufacturers to ensure that their products do not contain contaminants or impurities, are properly labeled, and contain what they claim.
Research has linked daily doses of more than 1000 milligrams (mg) of calcium with a higher risk of death from cancer, but only if the nutrients are obtained from food rather than supplements. National Institutes of Health (NIH) fact sheets provide detailed information on the benefits and risks of individual vitamins and minerals, as well as herbal supplements. When considering taking dietary supplements, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits.
Vitamin D
promotes the absorption of calcium in the body, and having enough is critical to health and well-being.Vitamin D supplements are popular because it is difficult (if not impossible for some) to get enough from food. However, enthusiasm for vitamin D supplements is outpacing the evidence, and high doses are not a good option. In healthy people, vitamin D blood levels greater than 100 nanograms per milliliter can cause additional calcium absorption and cause muscle pain, mood disorders, abdominal pain and kidney stones. St.
John's Wort is a plant that is used as tea or in capsules, with supposed benefits for depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, menopausal symptoms, insomnia, kidney and lung problems, obsessive-compulsive disorder, wound healing and more. While St. John's Wort may be effective in treating mild depression, it can also interact with medications such as weight-loss drugs orlistat (Xenical, Alli), several statins, thiazide diuretics (such as Hygroton, Lozol, and Microzide), and corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Rayos, Sterapred).
Calcium
is essential for a strong skeleton but too much can be harmful.More than 2500 mg per day for adults ages 19 to 50 and more than 2000 mg per day for people age 51 and older can cause problems. Calcium supplements carry risks such as hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis and an increased risk of heart disease. The NIH recommends 1,000 mg of calcium a day for women ages 19 to 50 and 1,200 mg a day for women age 51 and older; the recommendation for men ages 19 to 70 is 1,000 mg a day and 1,200 mg a day for men age 71 and older. If you have low levels of calcium in your blood despite having an adequate dietary intake, your doctor may prescribe a calcium supplement. It is important to be aware that dietary supplements can have both positive and negative effects on your health.
Before taking any supplement it is important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure that you are taking the right supplement for your needs. Additionally, it is important to be aware of potential side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.
