Can Dietary Supplements Help Older Consumers?

Even if you eat a wide variety of foods, how can you be sure that you are getting all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you need as you get older? If you are over 50, your nutritional needs may change. Informed food choices are the first place to start, making sure you get a variety of foods while watching your calorie intake. Supplements and fortified foods may also help you get appropriate amounts of nutrients. To help you make informed decisions, talk to your doctor and/or registered dietitian. They can work together with you to determine if your intake of a specific nutrient might be too low or too high and then decide how you can achieve a balance between the foods and nutrients you personally need.

What Are Dietary Supplements?

Today's dietary supplements are not only vitamins and minerals. They also include other less-familiar substances, such as herbals, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and animal extracts. Some dietary supplements are well understood and established, but others need further study. Whatever your choice, supplements should not replace the variety of foods important to a healthful diet.

Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not pre-approved by the government for safety or effectiveness before marketing. Also, unlike drugs, supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases. But some supplements can help assure that you get an adequate dietary intake of essential nutrients; others may help you reduce your risk of disease. Some older people, for example, are tired due to low iron levels. In that case, their doctor may recommend an iron supplement.

At times, it can be confusing to tell the difference between a dietary supplement, a food, or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This is because supplements, by law, come in a variety of forms that resemble these products, such as tablets, capsules, powders, energy bars, or drinks. One way to know if a product is a dietary supplement is to look for the Supplement Facts label on the product.

Are There Any Risks, Especially to Older Consumers?

While certain products may be helpful to some older individuals, there may be circumstances when these products may not benefit your health or when they may create unexpected risks. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations and hurt or complicate your health. For example:

• Are you taking both medicines and supplements? Are you substituting one for the other? Taking a combination of supplements, using these products together with medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter), or substituting them in place of medicines your doctor prescribes could lead to harmful, even life-threatening results. Be alert to any advisories about these products. Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an over-the-counter drug), and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood. Taking any of these products alone or together can increase the potential for internal bleeding or stroke. Another example is St. John's wort that may reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs for heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, or HIV.

• Are you planning surgery? Some supplements can have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery. It is important to fully inform your healthcare professional, including your pharmacist, about the vitamins, minerals, herbals, and any other supplements you are taking, especially before surgery. You may be asked to stop taking these products at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous supplement/drug interactions - such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or bleeding risk that could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery.

• Is taking more of a good thing better? Some people might think that if a little is good, taking a lot is even better. But taking too much of some nutrients, even vitamins and minerals, can also cause problems. Depending on the supplement, your age, and the status of your health, taking more than 100% of the Daily Value (DV) (see the Supplements Facts panel) of certain vitamins and minerals, e.g. Vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron (from supplements and food sources like vitamin-fortified cereals and drinks) may actually harm your health. Large amounts can also interfere with how your medicines work.

Remember: Your combined intake from all supplements (including multivitamins, single supplements, and combination products) plus fortified foods, like some cereals and drinks, could cause health problems.

Why Speak to My Healthcare Provider about Dietary Supplements?

You and your health professionals (doctors, nurses, registered dietitians, pharmacists, and other caregivers) are a team working toward a common goal -- to develop a personalized health plan for you. Your doctor and other members of the health team can help monitor your medical condition and overall health, especially if any problems develop. Although they may not immediately have answers to your questions, these health professionals have access to the most current research on dietary supplements.

There are numerous resources that provide information about dietary supplements. These include TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, store clerks, friends, family, or the Internet. It is important to question recommendations from people who have no formal training in nutrition, botanicals, or medicine. While some of these sources, like the Web, may seem to offer a wealth of accurate information, these same sources may contain misinformation that may not be obvious. Given the abundance and conflicting nature of information now available about supplements, it is more important than ever to partner with your healthcare team to sort the reliable information from the questionable.

Web Sites with Information on Dietary Supplements and Nutrition from Government Agencies and Others:

Links to non-Federal government organizations found on this site are provided as a service to our users and do not represent FDA endorsement of these organizations or their materials.

• Federal Government Agencies: Administration on Aging, DHHS
• Food and Drug Administration, DHHS, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition:
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Tips for the Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions and Evaluating Information
  • Food Labeling and Nutrition
• Federal Trade Commission
• National Institutes of Health, DHHS: National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (Clearing house) 1-888-NIH CAM
• Office of Dietary Supplements
• Office on Women's Health, DHHS, or 1-800-994-WOMAN, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Information Center
• Others:
  • American Dietetic Association
  • American Pharmacists Association
  • Food Marketing Institute
  • International Food Information Council Foundation
  • National Council on Patient Information and Education
  • AARP 

How Will I Be Able to Spot False Claims?

Be savvy! Although the benefits of some dietary supplements have been documented, the claims of others may be unproven. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Here are some signs of a false claim:

Statements that the product is a quick and effective "cure-all." For example: "Extremely beneficial in treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, infections, prostate problems, ulcers, cancer, heart trouble, hardening of the arteries, and more."

Statements that suggest the product can treat or cure diseases. For example: "shrinks tumors" or "cures impotency." Actually, these are drug claims and should not be made for dietary supplements.

Statements that claim the product is "totally safe," "all natural," or has "definitely no side effects."

Promotions that use words like "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "exclusive product," "secret ingredient," or "ancient remedy." For example: "A scientific breakthrough formulated by using proven principles of natural health-based medical science."

Text that uses overly impressive-sounding terms, like those for a weight-loss product: "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis."

Personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results. For example: "My husband has Alzheimer's. He began eating a teaspoonful of this product each day. And now in just 22 days, he mowed the grass, cleaned out the garage, and weeded the flower beds; we take our morning walk together again."

Limited availability and advance payment required. For example: "Hurry. This offer will not last. Send us a check now to reserve your supply."

Promises of no-risk "money-back guarantees." For example: "If after 30 days you have not lost at least 4 pounds each week, your uncashed check will be returned to you."

What Are The Key "Points to Ponder" Before I Buy?

• Think twice about chasing the latest headline. Sound health advice is generally based on research over time, not a single study. Be wary of results claiming a "quick fix" that depart from scientific research and established dietary guidance. Keep in mind that science does not generally proceed by dramatic breakthroughs, but rather by taking many small steps, slowly building towards scientific agreement.

• We may think, "Even if a product may not help me, it at least won't hurt me." It's best not to assume that this will always be true. Some product ingredients, including nutrients and plant components, can be toxic based on their activity in your body. Some products may become harmful when consumed in high enough amounts, for a long enough time, or in combination with certain other substances.

• The term 'natural' does not always mean safe. Do not assume this term assures wholesomeness or that these products have milder effects, making them safer to use than prescribed drugs. For example, many weight-loss products claim to be "natural" or "herbal" but this doesn't necessarily make them safe. The products' ingredients may interact with drugs or may be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.

• Spend your money wisely. Some supplement products may be expensive and may not work, given your specific condition. Be wary of substituting a product or therapy for prescription medicines. Be sure to talk with your healthcare team to help you determine what is best for your overall health.

• Remember: Safety first. Resist the pressure to decide "on the spot" about trying an untested product or treatment. Ask for more information and consult your doctor, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, and/or caregiver about whether the product is right for you and safe for you to use.

Who Is Responsible For Ensuring The Safety And Efficacy Of Dietary Supplements?

Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplement products are not reviewed by the government before they are marketed. Under the law, manufacturers of dietary supplements are responsible for making sure their products are safe before they go to market. If you want to know more about the product you are purchasing, check with the manufacturer to find out if the firm:

• Can supply information to support the claims for their products

• Can share information on the safety or efficacy of the ingredients in the product

• Has received any adverse event reports from consumers using their products

What is FDA's Responsibility?

FDA has the responsibility to take action against unsafe dietary supplement products after they reach the market. The agency may also take legal action against dietary supplement manufacturers if FDA can prove that claims on marketed dietary supplements are false and misleading.

What If I Think I Have Had A Reaction To A Dietary Supplement?

Adverse effects from the use of dietary supplements should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program. You, your healthcare provider, or anyone should report a serious adverse event or illness directly to FDA if you believe it is related to the use of any dietary supplement product by calling FDA at: 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at: 1-800-FDA-0178 or reporting on-line. FDA would like to know whenever you think a product caused you a serious problem, even if you are not sure that the product was the cause, and even if you do not visit a doctor or clinic.

What's The Bottom Line?

• Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diet, not to cure, prevent, or treat diseases or replace the variety of foods important to a healthful diet.

• Supplements can help you meet daily requirements for certain nutrients, but when you combine drugs and foods, too much of some nutrients can also cause problems.

• Many factors play a role in deciding if a supplement is right for you, including possible drug interactions and side effects.

• Do not self-diagnose any health condition. Together, you and your healthcare team can make the best decision for optimal health.

Ask yourself the following questions and use the checklist below to talk to your doctor, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, and/or caregiver about dietary supplements.

Questions to Ask:
Is taking a dietary supplement an important part of my total diet?
Are there any precautions or warnings I should know about (e.g. is there an amount or "upper limit" I should not go above)?
Are there any known side effects (e.g., loss of appetite, nausea, headaches, etc.)? Do they apply to me?
Are there any foods, medicines (prescription or over-the counter), or other supplements I should avoid while taking this product?
If I am scheduled for surgery, should I be concerned about the dietary supplements I am taking?
Other Questions to Consider: What is this product for? What are its intended benefits? How, when and for how long should I take it?

Examples of Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements

Because many products are marketed as dietary supplements, it is important to remember that supplements include botanical/herbal as well as vitamin/mineral products. The list* below gives some examples of products you may see sold as dietary supplements. It is not possible to list them all here. Note: the examples provided do not represent either an endorsement or approval by FDA or any coalition members.

Vitamins, Minerals, Nutrients	Botanicals and Other Substances
Multiple Vitamin/Mineral Vitamin B Complex Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Calcium Fiber Folic Acid Zinc Iron Beta-carotene Omega 3 Fatty Acids	Acidophilus Black Cohosh Ginger Evening Primrose Oil Echinacea Garlic Ginkgo Biloba Fish Oil Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin Sulphate St. John's wort Saw Palmetto

*Adapted from A Healthcare Professional's Guide to Evaluating Dietary Supplements, the American Dietetic Association & American Pharmaceutical Association Special Report. (2000)

Savvy Consumers Share Information With Their Health Care Team

If you take dietary supplements, you may find it helpful to complete the chart below and share it with your healthcare team, who could include your doctor, nurse, registered dietitian, pharmacist, and/or caregiver. All of these professionals need this information to help develop a personalized plan for you.

To have as accurate a record as possible, list the supplements you take and how often. By supplements we mean multiple, single or combination vitamins, minerals (like calcium and iron), or any herbal or botanical supplement you may have on your kitchen or medicine cabinet shelf. Because supplements come in so many forms that resemble other food and drug products, check to see if there is a Supplement Facts label on the product to be certain it is a dietary supplement.

Complete, to the best of your ability, amounts and reasons for taking supplements on the chart below. Then, give this information to your healthcare team so you can discuss what are the best decisions for your overall health.

Name______________________________________ Age_____ Date______________ 1. Please list below which supplements you take, how often, and why you take them. Supplement How Often? How Much? I Take It for These Reasons: Example: calcium Once a day 500 mg support healthy bones Example: Multivitamin Once a day 1 tablet supplement my diet 1.       2.       3.       4.       5.       6.       7.       8.       2. Are you currently taking or have you recently taken any over-the-counter medications (e.g., aspirin, cold medicine, stool softener, pain reliever, etc.)? Yes (Which ones?)  1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 3. What prescription medication(s) are you currently taking, if any? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Other:

 

Organizations that contributed to this article:

The Administration on Aging (Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)), American Academy of Family Physicians, AARP, American Dietetic Association, American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration (DHHS), Food Marketing Institute, International Food Information Council Foundation, National Council on Patient Information and Education, Office of Dietary Supplements (National Institutes of Health, DHHS), and Office on Women's Health (DHHS).

 

Page Last Updated: 09/04/2012