Dietary supplements ads seem to be everywhere. Through infomercials, the internet, at your local grocery store and even in pharmacies we are bombarded daily about the benefits of taking dietary supplements. But how much do you really know about these products? Take our quiz to find out your dietary supplement IQ.
(1) Dietary supplements are products that:
A. Are labeled as a “Dietary Supplement”
B. Are designed to be taken in pill format
C. Contain minerals, herbs, amino acids or vitamins
D. Are intended to supplement your daily diet
E. All of the above
(2) A dietary supplement manufacturer must pass a battery of tests to prove a products safety and effectiveness:
A. True
B. False
(3) Because dietary supplements are over-the-counter products not requiring a doctor’s prescription they are safe to use in combination with prescription medications:
A. True
B. False
(4) Personal testimonials are the best way determine the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements:
A. True
B. False
(5) Multi-vitamins are dietary supplements:
A. True
B. False
(6) Many dietary supplements have proven health benefits:
A. True
B. False
(7) There are no adverse health consequences of taking too much of a supplement:
A. True
B. False
OK – now for the answers. I hope you didn’t peak:
(1) E All of the above. Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994 which provides a definition of dietary supplements.
(2) B. False. Companies do not have to prove the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement before it is available to the public. If they have sufficient research they may claim a supplement addresses a particular body function, supports health or a nutrient deficiency.
(3) B. False. Dietary supplements may interact with prescription medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, are planning on having surgery or are pregnant or nursing consult your doctor before taking supplements.
(4) B. False. Never judge a supplement based on a testimonial. The accuracy of such personal accounts are difficult to verify and may be even “made up” to sell the product.
(5) A. True. Vitamins are regulated by the FDA and do fall under the umbrella of dietary supplements.
(6) A. True. Scientific research has shown that some dietary supplements are effective in preventing or treating disease. As an example, vitamin D supplements can help to prevent and treat bone loss.
(7) B. False. Vitamins can be dangerous if taken in doses that exceed the upper limit recommendation. For fat-soluble vitamins this is definitely the case as you risk nausea, vomiting, headaches, birth defects and other health issues if you overdue.
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