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Introduction to Dietary Supplements
Since 1994, many non-traditional food components have been launched under the Dietary Supplements Health Education Act (DSHEA). Some of these include fish oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids), glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for depression, osteoarthritis and some liver diseases.
Dietary Supplements Defined
The DSHEA determined that dietary supplements would be defined by the following criteria:
- A dietary supplement is "any product (except tobacco) that contains at least one of the following: (1) a vitamin, (2) a mineral, (3) an herb or botanical, (4) an amino acid, (5) a dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total daily intake, or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combinations of these ingredients."
- A dietary supplement is "intended for ingestion in pill, capsule, tablet or liquid form."
- A dietary supplement is "not represented for use as a conventional food or as the sole item of a meal or diet."
- A dietary supplement is "labeled as a 'dietary supplement'."
- A dietary supplement "includes products such as an approved new drug, certified antibiotic, or licensed biologic that was marketed as a dietary supplement food before approval, certification, or license (unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services waives this provision)."
Dietary Supplement Research
Research on dietary supplements is growing each year, providing healthcare professionals with evidence of both safety and efficacy.
For example, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department reported that SAMe is as effective as standard therapy for depression and osteoarthritis (HHS Hand Report 2002).
In addition, strong evidence exists that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (JAMA 2002; 287 (14):1815-1821; N Engl J Med. 2002; 346(15):1113-1118). The FDA has approved qualified health claims for fish oil, fiber, and soy protein for heart health.
Because research on dietary supplements is dynamic, it is important to periodically review updates to text and references for guidelines on use and new applications.
Facts and Functions
In the Vitamin Herb University website we provide facts and functions of various dietary supplements, their recommended dosages and toxicity levels, possible herb drug supplement interaction, and summarize current dietary supplements research. |
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Dosage Chart |
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Practical, easy-to-use dosage charts provide information on upper limits, recommended doses and health benefits for each supplement. |
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View chart now >> |
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