Checklist that I mark before going to any supplement shop near me

 Health and Dietary supplements are those products that everyone may use to add essential nutrients into their bodies. People generally consume supplements because their regular requirement of nutrients is not fulfilled through their diet. There exist a different variety of health and nutrition supplements that are made to provide many health benefits.

 

Due to limited rules & regulations, it is not always clear that which supplements are made from high-quality ingredients. Due to which few can be waste of money or sometimes dangerous also.

 

I am writing this guide to cover all you need to know about supplements. Because like you, I also want that people to only choose a safe and high-quality product when any go supplement store near them or order online.

 

Neither all supplements are made equal nor are the manufacturers equal in terms in research, development, knowledge, standards, and lab testing capabilities, etc. Almost half of US population take regularly takes dietary supplements in their desired form. These forms include tablets, powder, capsules, or liquid, etc. The fact that they are available at any pharmacy or even supplement shop near me without showing any prescription, is the most dangerous thing ever. Whenever I am visiting a supplement shop near me to buy any new supplement, I always take advice from any nutritionist or dietician for safety.

Must Read: What are the best Multivitamins for bodybuilding? 

 Who should consume supplements?

 

In general, those who take an adequate amount of nutrients through their food, do not require additional supplements. It is most preferred to get all the essential nutrients through your general diet only. But some struggle to fulfill their requirement through food only. While traveling to my supplement shop near me, I tend to buy natural foods as well.

 

Below are a group of people who will be needing supplements, such as:

 

*- pregnant or breastfeeding women

 

*- breastfeeding infants

 

*- people with diagnosed nutritional deficiencies

 

*- people with a nutrient malabsorption condition

 

*- who has undergone bariatric surgery like gastric bypass, etc?

 

*- who follows restricted dietary foods?

 

*- Vegans and Vegetarians

 

 

 

What does science say about supplements?

 

Like any other thing in this world, some supplements have a good effect on your health, while others have not so good effects. If anyone wants to check the effectiveness of different supplements, they may visit the NCCIH website to check their authenticity. That is why I always NCCIH Website before visiting any supplement shop near me.

 

It is being said about supplements that what is on its label, it's not necessary that it is in the product. For example, Food & Drug Administration has found prescription drugs, including such as anticoagulants, anticonvulsants and few others in dietary supplements.

 

 

Few supplements might be harmful to you if you are having a particular medical condition or if you are taking certain prescribed medicines. For an instance, a herbal supplement named St. John’s wort makes many existing medications less effective.

 

Dietary supplements result in an estimated 23,000 emergency room visits every year in the United States, according to a 2015 study. Many of the patients are young adults having heart problems from weight-loss or energy products and older adults having swallowing problems from taking large vitamin pills.

 

Although it’s still rare, more cases are being reported of acute (sudden) liver damage in people taking dietary supplements in the United States and elsewhere. The liver injury can be severe, can require an emergency liver transplant, and is sometimes fatal. Considering all the points before visiting any supplement shop near me is an effective method to avoid these harms.

 

In most cases, multivitamins or herbal supplements aren’t likely to pose any health risks. Still, it’s important to be cautious when you put anything in your body.

 

Supplements may interact with other medications you’re taking or pose risks if you have certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, or are going to have surgery. Some supplements also haven’t been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children, and you may need to take extra precautions before taking these supplements.

 

 

My checklist:

 

Here is a list of checklists that I must check before visiting any supplement shop near me.

 

*- Do I need to think about my total diet?

 

Yes. Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diets of some people, but not to replace the balance of the variety of foods important to a healthy diet. While you need enough nutrients, too much of some nutrients can cause problems. You can find information on the functions and potential benefits of vitamins and minerals, as well as upper safe limits for nutrients at the National Academy of Sciences website External Link Disclaimer. I believe that knowing about the diet is the first and most important question that needs to be answered whenever I am visiting a supplement shop near me.

 

*- Should I check with my doctor or healthcare provider before using a supplement?

 

This is a good idea, especially for certain population groups. Dietary supplements may not be risk-free under certain circumstances. If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing or taking any supplement. While vitamin and mineral supplements are widely used and generally considered safe for children, you may wish to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving these or any other dietary supplements to your child. If you plan to use a dietary supplement in place of drugs or in combination with any drug, tell your health care provider first. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects and their safety is not always assured in all users. If you have certain health conditions and take these products, you may be placing yourself at risk. I always consult my doctor before visiting any supplement shop near me.

 

*- Some supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines, is it true?

 

Taking a combination of supplements or using these products together with medications (whether prescription or OTC drugs) could under certain circumstances produce adverse effects, some of which could be life-threatening. Be alert to advisories about these products, whether taken alone or in combination. For example: Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo Biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an OTC drug), and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood, and taking any of these products together can increase the potential for internal bleeding.

 

 

*- Some supplements can have unwanted effects during surgery. is it true?

 

It is important to fully inform your doctor about the vitamins, minerals, herbals or any other supplements you are taking, especially before elective surgery. You may be asked to stop taking these products at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous supplement/drug interactions -- such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure and increased bleeding - that could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery. I always check if they harm me due to my present medications when making a purchase from a supplement shop near me.

 

*- Who is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements?

 

Under the law, manufacturers of dietary supplements are responsible for making sure their products are safe before they go to market. They are also responsible for determining that the claims on their labels are accurate and truthful. Dietary supplement products are not reviewed by the government before they are marketed, but FDA has the responsibility to take action against any unsafe dietary supplement product that reaches the market. If FDA can prove that claims on marketed dietary supplement products are false and misleading, the agency may take action also against products with such claims. All these checklists are a must whenever you are visiting a supplement shop near you.

 

 

 

Conclusion:

 

As supplements are subject to fairly limited regulation by the FDA, it can be confusing to figure out which supplements are safe and effective.

 

When shopping for vitamins and other supplements, look for products that have been third-party tested and contain safe levels of vitamins and minerals.

 

When I am visiting a supplement shop near me, Due to potential interactions and safety concerns, always talk with your doctor before taking any vitamin or supplement product — especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications, or have or suspect that you have a medical condition.