Supplements: what to know first

Dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, fish oil or herbal products, can help in specific situations. They do not replace a varied diet, and more is not better.

When a supplement may be advised

• In pregnancy: iron and folic acid are commonly given, as your doctor or health worker advises.
• For a deficiency your doctor has confirmed, for example of iron or vitamin D.
• With diets that leave out whole food groups, or conditions that reduce absorption.

Safety first

• Tell your doctor about every supplement you take: some interact with medicines, such as blood thinners.
• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals such as iron can build up and cause harm in high doses.
• Keep iron tablets out of children’s reach: an overdose is very dangerous for them.
• Be wary of products that promise fast weight loss or claim to treat many diseases at once.
• Herbal does not mean harmless, and quality varies between products.

Questions to ask before you buy

• Do I need it, and how will I know whether it is working?
• Is the dose on the label right for me?
• Does it interact with my medicines or conditions?
• Who made it, and does the label state the contents clearly?

The practice suggests a supplement only when there is a clear reason, and with your doctor where needed.

This article is general information, not personal advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take regular medicine, ask your doctor or a dietitian before making major changes to your diet.

Sources

• National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know.
• World Health Organization. Guideline: Daily iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnant women, 2012.