Supplements are not regulated the way pharmaceutical drugs are, meaning the FDA does not assess them for efficacy or safety before they are marketed. Only if serious side effects show up does the FDA get involved.
An important consequence of this lack of regulation is that many of these products do not contain what they claim to contain, and there have been many reports of seriously tainted products. A popular protein powder was found to contain lead.
While touted to solve all human ills, no supplement has been found in a scientific trial to prolong life. Resveratrol was all the rage until trials showed no benefit.
Many of the products pushed on-line or on-TV are expensive. I know of people spending hundreds of dollars monthly on supplements, most of which were useless.
Are there any that you should consider taking?
A standard multi-vitamin is safe and inexpensive. There is evidence that it has a modest effect on reducing dementia. The B12 and D included in multivitamins can make up for the reduced B12 absorption that is common is older adults and the lack of sunshine-produced Vitamin D that is common in winter.
Omega-3 is healthy for the circulatory system. The best way to get this is by eating fatty fish 2-3 times a week. If you don’t eat fish, an omega-3 capsule may be useful.
Even safe and useful products can be harmful in large doses. Vitamin D in excess causes elevated serum calcium, which in turn can cause nausea, constipation, kidney stones and bone pain. While 1 multivitamin daily may be good, 5 or 10 are likely to be bad.
When you see a product pushed by a celebrity or “influencer,” remember that they are usually either selling the product or being paid to tout its benefits. Keep your money in your pocket.
Prescription for Bankruptcy. Buy the book on Amazon
