As we all return to our normal routines after months of isolation, many of us have seen a greater interest in health and fitness supplements. Everything from a pill to a powder promises to help your body in some way, give you a boost and get you back into the fitness game. But are these supplements safe and worth the cost? Unless your doctor supports a particular supplement and advises you take it, it is best to err on the side of caution.
As a refresher, here are a few tips from a couple years back that review the use of supplements:
Even though most of us know supplements are not FDA regulated, we continue to take them. Many consumers often choose to take health and fitness supplements based on peer suggestions or due to the clever marketing from a billion-dollar industry. What people do not realize is that according to Consumer Reports, the only thing a supplement company is liable for is making sure that the ingredients listed in the supplements are actually in the supplements and that the supplements are not contaminated. It is up to us consumers to advocate for our own health. Here are a couple of good first steps to consider:
1. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
2. Check your habits. Are you using supplements as an excuse to eat badly?
(Remember, a healthy diet goes a long way in making us feel better).
The FDA may regulate supplements in the future (according to Consumer Reports). However, there are some third-party companies that do testing of their own. Of the few that do, Consumer Reports gives a positive nod to U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) for testing. It’s also important to note that testing a supplement for quality is not the same as conducting a clinical trial. Keep in mind companies that test these supplement products are checking for purity and potency ONLY, i.e., the quality of the supplement. They are not researching the effects of these supplements on people or the adverse effects of mixing supplements with medications.
So next time you decide to try out a supplement, do the research and check your habits. Most importantly, and we cannot stress this enough, consult your doctor first.
**This TIP is not to sway you toward, or away, from supplements. This is just information to keep you informed and to further your own research. **