How to Choose Dietary Supplements

As you may have read in my newsletter (available at http://www.activepersonalfitness.com/), the recent FDA warnings regarding the use of the popular fat loss supplement Hydroxycut and its subsequent recall have dietary supplements in the headlines. It is important to keep in mind supplement manufacturers don't need to register a product with the FDA or get approval before selling a supplement.

11 things to consider when choosing a supplement (adapted from the American Cancer Society's guidelines)
1. Consult your doctor or other health care provider prior to taking a supplement.
2. Find information on the product written by recognized medical experts or government agencies. Bring this information to your doctor's attention. You can start on the Web by visiting the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ipg.asp?sitename=National+Institutes+of+Health&url=http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/ and clicking on "Health Information."
3. When you shop for supplements, look for USP-NF on the package label. The USP is an non-governmental, not-for-profit public health organization who is the standards–setting authority for all prescription and over–the–counter medicines and other health care products manufactured or sold in the United States.
4. If you are shopping for a botanical, make sure to find a product that uses only the effective part of the plant. Avoid botanicals that have been made using the entire plant, unless the entire plant is recommended.
5. Remember that a product described as "natural" is not necessarily safer or more effective. There are many lethal substances found in nature and many "safe" substances that may be harmful in combination with other substances or when used at a high concentration. Try to avoid mixtures of many different supplements. The more ingredients, the greater the chances of harmful effects.
6. Consider the name and reputation of the manufacturer or distributor.
7. Does the label provide a way to contact the company if you have questions or concerns about their product? Reputable manufacturers will provide contact information on the label or packaging of their products.
8. Avoid products that claim to be "miracle cures," "breakthroughs," or "new discoveries," to have benefits but no side effects, or to be based on a "secret ingredient" or method. Such claims are almost always fraudulent, and the product may contain potentially harmful substances or contaminants.
9. Avoid products that claim to be effective treatment for a wide variety of unrelated illnesses. If a supplement claims that it can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, such as "cures cancer," the product is being sold illegally as a drug.
10. Avoid products that claim to be safe or effective based solely on testimonials.
11. If the supplement is being recommended by the person selling it to you make sure to carefully question why the supplement is necessary. Also ask them if they take the supplement personally. I view this as a conflict of interest and do not sell supplements for this reason.

I personally take only a whey protein mix after strength workouts. I recommend my clients take a multi-vitamin daily and Omega3 fish oil. I do not recommend additional supplements to my clients except in specific circumstances.