Discuss at least five considerations when choosing and using dietary supplements

Answer 1

1 . Undertake research on the supplement you are interested in taking at sites offered by the National Institutes of Health: http://dsld.nlm.nih.gov and www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus /druginfo/herb_All.html.
2 . Purchase supplements labeled USP or CL. They are tested for purity, ingredients, and dose.
3 . Check the expiration date on supplements. Use unexpired supplements.
4 . Choose vitamin and mineral supplements containing 100% of the Daily Value or less.
5 . Take vitamin and mineral supplements with meals.
6 . If you have a diagnosed need for a specific vitamin or mineral, take that individual vitamin or mineral and not a multiple supplement.
7 . Store supplements where small children cannot get at them.
8 . Don't use herbal remedies for serious, self-diagnosed conditions such as depression, persistent headaches, and memory loss. (You might benefit more from a different treatment.)
9 . Don't use herbal remedies without medical advice if you are attempting to become pregnant or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
10 . Don't mix herbal remedies.
11 . If you are allergic to certain plants, make sure herbal remedies are not going to be a problem before you use them.
12 . If you have a bad reaction to an herbal remedy, stop using it and report the reaction to the FDA using the site: www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/ucm053074.htm.
13 . Tell your health care provider about the dietary supplements you take or plan on taking.