Dietary supplements are quite popular all over the world. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, plant and fish oil are supposed to stimulate protective functions of the body and provide a range of benefits. These substances are not marked as drugs and do not require the prescription of the physician, however, probiotics and vitamins are frequently prescribed together with drugs. Besides, it is always important to discuss the necessity and frequency of intake with the physician who can comment on the efficiency of biologically active substances that are available on the market.
Food supplements are created to compensate for a deficiency of elements naturally occurring in the human body. Sometimes physicians find supplements necessary for their patients as certain external factors enhance washing away of minerals from the tissues. Inadequate nutrition is another cause for the vitamin deficiency that is a seasonal condition common for the majority of people. Individuals with any dietary restrictions are often advised to use certain food supplements to protect body from diseases.
The efficacy of food supplements is not ensured by any independent organizations such as the FDA. Generally, there is a scientific evidence that vitamin D or folic acid sufficiently improve the integrity of the body, nevertheless, it does not necessarily refer to all the wide range of dietary supplements offered by pharmacies. In some cases, active ingredients can induce unexpected effects. For example, some vitamins can interact with other drugs and reduce the overall efficacy of treatment. For this reason, dietary supplements shall be taken if prescribed by a doctor. The majority of food supplements are safe if prescribed correctly. If any side effects of supplements are reported to the FDA, the product can be tested and withdrawn from the retail.