Are dietary supplements important for good health?

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A good diet is the foundation for better health. But, whether by choice or circumstance, even the most well intended among us doesn’t always eat the way we should. That’s where a sensible supplementation program may help. In addition to helping meet your essential nutrient needs, supplements are backed by a growing body of scientific research that continues to support their health benefits. Read on to learn more about how dietary supplements can support good health and the growing number of people enjoying the healthy habit of supplementing.

Dietary supplements are backed by scientific research
Several research studies report that most Americans fail to consume the recommended amounts of a variety of essential nutrients each day. 1,2,3 Therefore, a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement is an ideal way to help fill the nutrient gaps that may be in your diet.

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one of the government agencies that regulates the dietary supplement industry, has approved specific health claims based on the body of scientific research for several dietary ingredients, including calcium for bone health; omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber and vegetable oil sterol esters for heart health; and folic acid for a healthy pregnancy.4†

Furthermore, the FDA has established a variety of qualified health claims for certain dietary ingredients. The health claims for these ingredients are qualified because the FDA has determined that although some scientific research supports a certain health benefit, the research is currently limited and/or inconclusive. The ingredients and claims include; calcium and colon/rectal cancer; green tea and cancer; selenium and cancer; vitamin E and/or C and certain forms of cancer; vitamins B6, B12 and/or folic acid and vascular disease; phosphatidylserine and cognitive function; and chromium picolinate, insulin resistance and diabetes.5†

Consumers believe supplements keep them healthy

If you choose to supplement, consider yourself in good company. According to an October 2005 Barometer Survey, a nationwide online poll conducted by the Natural Marketing Institute, 85 percent of the population is currently using some type of dietary supplement and believes that using nutritional supplements can keep them healthier. Furthermore, 70 percent of those polled said they believe that being healthier through dietary supplements will reduce their overall health care costs and that dietary supplements should be covered by their health insurance.6

References

 

  1. Block G. Foods contributing to energy intake in the US: data from NHANES III and NHANES 1999–2000. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 2004;17:439-447
  2. United States Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Available at: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/pdf/Chapter2.pdf
  3. Serdula MK, Gillespie C, Kettel-Khan L, et al. Trends in fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in the United States: behavioral risk factor surveillance system, 1994–2000. Am J Pub Health. 2004;94: 1014-1018. PMID: 15249308
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A Food Labeling Guide (Health Claims). Available at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/flg-6c.html.
  5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Qualified Health Claims Subject to Enforcement Discretion. Available at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qhc-sum.html
  6. Dietary Supplement Education Alliance. Nutritional Supplement Barometer Study, 2005 Report. Available at: http://www.supplementinfo.org/anm/articlefiles/264-DSEA_Supplement_Barometer_Survey_Executive.pdf.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.