A few things to know about dietary supplements
By Jennifer M. Drummond CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As a result of how they're regulated, not all dietary supplements are created equal. Consumers should use caution when choosing supplements.

Millions of people consume dietary supplements everyday with the expectation there will be a benefit, and for many, there is. They take the form of a powder, a liquid, tablet or capsule, and are usually promoted as being of the highest quality, potency and purity. Sometimes there's documented evidence to support the claims for more energy, faster weight loss or increased stamina in the bedroom - and sometimes there's not.

So, how do you know what supplements are safe and which are not? Is it okay to pop an energy pill instead of making another pit stop at Starbuck's? Will an over-the-counter herbal remedy really relieve hot flashes, or are all the claims just hot air? There really are no clear answers, only advice, and there's even little of that coming from reliable sources like federal health officials.

That's partially due to the way dietary supplements are regulated. In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) as a way of regulating this billion dollar industry that's morphed in recent years as people look for an easier way to get healthy. The act defined a dietary supplement as any "product (other than tobacco) that is intended to supplement the diet that contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, a mineral, a herb or other botanical and amino acid. It is a dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total daily intake, or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combinations of these ingredients."

In the U.S., herbal and other dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they fall under the category of "foods," meaning they do not have to meet the same standards as drugs and over-the-counter medications for proof of safety, effectiveness and what the FDA calls "good manufacturing practices."

As a result, it can be hard for consumers to know what they're ingesting. For example, Vitamin E can vary from one brand or manufacturer to another.

The problem with supplements is there's no standard for them, said Dr. John C. Ciurash, a board certified family practitioner with the Hope Center in Chesterfield, who also practices integrated medicine (a combination of alternative and complimentary medicines). Since supplements lack the same safeguards as other medications, it's important for consumers to seek advice from someone who is versed in their use.

That doesn't mean one should avoid all supplements though. Many physicians regularly recommend supplements, such as multivitamins, since it can be difficult to get all of the needed nutrients even with a balanced diet. "The good thing about supplements is that our body needs them, because when food is ultraprocessed, it loses 40-60 percent of its nutrients," said Ciurush.

People like Renee Wiest, a master herbalist and certified health professional with Good Health Herbs in Brandermill, help educate the public on the use of supplements. "I try to teach them why they take the supplement and why it may be helpful," said Wiest.

In addition to brick and mortar shops, there are also many Web sites making the case for certain products.

The top reasons people buy dietary supplements include energy boosting, heart and cardiovascular support, lowering cholesterol, improving memory and concentration, and maintaining general health and overall wellness, just to name a few.

"We do need to take supplements, but we need to make sure we are getting the benefits from it," said Dr. Sherron Marquina, a chiropractor with Health InSyncs. On selecting the best form of supplements, Marquina said it varies depending on the person's symptoms, health history and the strength of their digestive system. She added you are wasting your money if your body is not able to break down the supplement and use it.

"If you supply too many vitamins, your body will shut down. The body is very complex," said Ciurush, adding that supplements should be taken for a period of time, then stopped and started again in a cycle.

He also believes taking individual supplements is better, because every person has different nutritional needs. When it comes to some of the more popular liquid supplements such as goji, acai, pomegranate juice and others, Ciurush said, "They are good, and I think they are effective, but a little overstated as far as what they can do."

"Any remedy has risks," added Marquina.