Be sure your health care professional knows and writes down all dietary
supplements you take even if taken infrequently. Write them down before your
appointment and bring the list with you. Some dietary supplements interfere
with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Ask about your prescription
medicine and nutrient deficiencies. Certain prescription medications can
deplete essential nutrients in your body. Ask your provider how you can
compensate.
Are you on a diet? Do you eat smaller or irregular meals. Do you smoke or drink
alcohol? If so, you may be missing certain nutrients that are a necessary part
of a healthy diet. (i.e. iron, B-12, calcium, etc.) Discuss which vitamins may
help fill nutritional gaps in your diet.
It’s important to use reliable, scientifically sound information on dietary
supplements for your health decisions. Share this information with your health
professional and ask for their ideas.
Consider the following when selecting a brand:
• Is the product from a reputable manufacturer? If in doubt, ask your health
care professional to recommend a reliable brand that carries the USP mark.
• Does the manufacturer have a toll-free number and Web site where you can get
information from qualified professionals and ask questions?
• Does the label make claims that seem too good to be true? Use caution.
Read the label and follow dosage instructions carefully.
Look for warning statements.
Purchase quality products.
Be sure to share all supplement use with your health care provider.
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