4 Myths about Nutritional Supplements You should know

If you're like most Americans, you probably have some supplements stacked away in the cupboard of your kitchen this particular moment which is normal. With people becoming increasingly conscious about their health, it certainly is no surprise that last year alone, more than 75% of Americans took dietary supplements. Whilst taking the right supplement under the right conditions in its right dosage can do amazing things to your body, misconceptions about supplements are quite common. Ready to bust some myths? Let's help you deal with four nutritional supplements that may have had you on the ropes for some time.

1. All dietary supplements have the approval of the Food and Drug Administration

Contrary to common knowledge, the F.D.A need not approve a supplement before it can be considered safe. Just like there are safe Supplements out there on the market with the approval of the F.D.A, there are also safe supplements without the F.D.A's approval. So unlike drugs which require premarket review/approval by the F.D.A, supplements do not. Once supplements are released unto the market, the premise is that they are safe until there are some negative reports concerning its usage. It is only then that the F.D.A can take action.

2. Taking supplements is a necessity in adults

Whilst a lot of adults take supplements, they are not exactly a necessity. With a well-balanced diet, full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, most adults can get all the nutrients they need from the food they consume. It is only in circumstances where a nutrient deficiency cannot be solved through food alone that specific minerals and vitamins - in the form of supplements - help to fill gaps left by whatever nutrients you are deficient in.

3. Supplements don't interact with drugs.

Some supplements, for example herbal ones can interfere with your medication and reduce its effectiveness. Others also when used along with medication could result in unwanted side effects. It is therefore important that anytime you decide to take a supplement, you discuss it with your physician or health service provider especially if you are on medication. This is to ensure that taking the supplement along with your drugs results in nothing negative.

4. Supplements are bound to deliver what they say they will deliver

Make no doubt  about it; supplements do a lot in filling the gap left by nutrient deficiencies and can improve people's health dramatically. However, it is not every supplement out there that does what it claims it can do. The mere fact that it is a supplement does not mean it's going to work wonders. According to the F.D.A, nutritional supplements cannot make claims of treating or preventing disease. Sometimes they don't even contain the ingredients they claim to contain on the label. It always behaves you to be circumspect when choosing a supplement and only settling for the high-quality ones.