Dietary supplements made from foods, herbs and their constituents are a rapidly growing market sector. Consumers often view food supplements as ‘natural’ and therefore safe; however, supplements are regulated as foods rather than as pharmaceuticals and so are not as closely monitored as may be necessary. With the commercial market in these products growing, this book provides essential research into their safety, efficacy and potential risk of interaction with pharmaceuticals. Following an introductory chapter, part one covers the chemical composition, manufacture and regulation of dietary supplements. Part two looks at the effectiveness of different types of dietary supplement and methods of evaluation. Finally, part three focuses on supplement safety. Reviews the design, production and regulation of dietary supplements. Analyses the potential for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics interactions between dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals. Offers reviews of important clinical studies on the efficacy of dietary supplements for range of conditions.

This quick-glance reference helps students and health professionals educate themselves and their patients/clients about the scientific evidence for and against more than 120 popular dietary supplements. Supplements are logically grouped into 12 chapters based on their primary desired effect, such as weight loss, joint support, and sports performance enhancement. The authors give each supplement a one-to-five-star rating based on the level of scientific substantiation for each of its major claimed effects. The book highlights crucial safety issues regarding each supplement and sets forth recommended dosages for particular effects. A quick-reference appendix lists all the supplements alphabetically with their star ratings.

The growing consumer interest in health and fitness has expanded the market for a wide range of products, from yoga mats to the multiple dietary supplements now on the market. Supplements are popular, but are they safe? Many dietary supplements are probably safe when used as recommended. However, since 1994 when Congress decided that they should be regulated as if they were foods, they are assumed to be safe unless the Food and Drug Administration can demonstrate that they pose a significant risk to the consumer. But there are many types of products that qualify as dietary supplements, and the distinctions can become muddled and vague. Manufacturers are not legally required to provide specific information about safety before marketing their products. And the sales of supplements have been steadily increasingâ€"all together, the various types now bring in almost $16 billion per year. Given these confounding factors, what kind of information can the Food and Drug Administration use to effectively regulate dietary supplements? This book provides a framework for evaluating dietary supplement safety and protecting the health of consumers.

The use of dietary supplements is often promoted as a solution to a number of nutrition problems, including general dietary patterns and nutrient intakes, malnutrition in the elderly, the nutritional needs in pregnant women, poor nutrient intakes in low-income children, the iron needs of infants after 6 months, and the prevention of diseases. Although there are situations where the use of vitamin and mineral supplements can improve the health of certain individuals, the consumption of conventional food continues to be the preferred method to improve nutritional and health status. This important book examines many of the issues that dietary supplements face today. One such controversial issue is whether the use of dietary supplements should be included in food-stamp plans. Also questioned is the regulation of some of the more controversial dietary supplements such as ephedra, and if they should be available as over-the-counter or rather be made prescription-necessary medications. Contents: Preface; Dietary Supplements: FDA Reform and Codex; Dietary Supplements: Purchase with Food Stamps; Dietary Supplements: Legislative and Regulatory Status; Dietary Supplements: Ephedra; Bibliograp

So you're taking all the popular supplements-great! But are they really helping? Is your health actually improving? Or could these supplements be harming you? Taking dietary supplements can be good for us―when we need them. But many are unnecessary, and some producers make outsized claims while using suspect means of production. This book does not advocate against supplement use. It's a call for clarity and sanity on the subject to prevent misuse. Mahtab Jafari, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC Irvine, has distilled decades of clinical experience and laboratory research in her one-of-a-kind guide. The Truth About Dietary Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide to a Safe Medicine Cabinet provides insight into this largely unregulated industry and empowers you to avoid getting swindled in your pursuit of good health. Maybe it started quite simply. A multivitamin to keep the reserve tanks full. Then a tincture or tablet to improve sleep, boost energy, or gain an edge. Maybe an appetite suppressant to help shed that last ten pounds. And now you find yourself with an expensive habit and a medicine cabinet filled to the brim with magic bullets that leave you feeling no better than before you started―or maybe even worse. It doesn't have to be this way! In The Truth About Dietary Supplements, you'll learn: A few basic facts about dietary supplements―Who makes them? Who sells them? Who is regulating them? Why we may need to take supplements The science behind supplements, both real and contrived The role the media plays in our education about dietary supplements The truth about pet supplements―Yes, your pets are at risk too! How to assess what you truly need and assure the quality of the supplements you take What to ask your healthcare provider to ensure you're making the right choices This thorough guide also contains a robust appendix about the scientific evidence on dietary supplements and COVID-19 to help you navigate this new minefield of misinformation. Stop wasting money on pills and potions that are useless, or even dangerous! Dodge the hype-mongers and arm yourself with the facts and information you need to make informed decisions. Learn The Truth About Dietary Supplements today!

A comprehensive resource simplifies the often confusing process of selecting the best nutritional supplements for various disorders and ailments by providing a wealth of information on vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbs that will help readers make more informed choices. Original. 10,000 first printing.