Dietary Supplements: Questions To Ask | Federal Trade Commission

While some dietary supplements have proven benefits, others donҴ. And some could even be risky for your health. Dietary supplements may seem like harmless health boosters. But while some have proven benefits, many donҴ. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements arenҴ evaluated or reviewed by FDA for safety and effectiveness, and even ӮaturalԠsupplements can be risky depending on the medicines you take or the medical conditions you have. In recent years, hundreds of supplements also have been found to be tainted with drugs and other chemicals. Always talk to your doctor before you take a new supplement, and avoid any supplement claiming itҳ a ӣure.Լ/p Learn more about dietary supplements by visitinghttps://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0261-dietary-supplements ****************************** Transcript: Ever wonder about the amazing claims some ads and sites make about dietary supplements, like Ӵurning back the clock on aging with an all-natural pillԠor Ӭosing weight fast without diet or exerciseԠwith a powder, pill, or shake? Some say thereҳ a miracle cure for heart trouble, cancer, and Alzheimerҳ all in one pill. But can you believe them? Some dietary supplements are just a waste of money, and some are even risky for your health. Yep, even the so-called ӮaturalԠones. So be skeptical about those amazing claims, and before you use a dietary supplement, ask your doctor, is there scientific proof it actually works? How reliable is this brand? What are the side effects? How will it interact with my other medications? And if itҳ safe to take, whatҳ the right amount? Some dietary supplements, like certain vitamins, have proven health benefits. But dietary supplements are not meant to prevent, treat, or cure diseases, so avoid any products that say they can. Want to know more? Visit ftc.gov/dietarysupplements. ****************************** The Federal Trade Commission deals with issues that touch the economic life of every American. It is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy. The FTC pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement; advances consumersҠinterests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and U.S. and international government agencies; develops policy and research tools through hearings, workshops, and conferences; and creates practical and plain-language educational programs for consumers and businesses in a global marketplace with constantly changing technologies. Comment Moderation Policy We welcome your comments and thoughts about the information on this page. If you do have something to say, please be courteous and respectful to other commenters. We wonҴ routinely review or edit any comments before they are posted, but we will delete any comments that: 1) contain spam or are off-topic 2) use vulgar language or offensive terms that target specific groups or contain personal attacks 3) are sales pitches, promotions, urls or links to commercial sites 4) spread clearly misleading or false information or 5) include personal information, like home addresses