Frequently Asked Questions

Supplements should be just that - supplements to your existing diet. The best way to ensure your body is working at its best is by eating a healthy, balanced diet full of nutrients. However, that's easier said than done. Especially if you have a busy lifestyle. Supplements can help fill in any gaps on key ingredients that may be more difficult to achieve through your existing diet.

There are a number of considerations to think through as you decide whether to use a supplement. Some questions to help you make the right decision for you:

• Is this missing from my existing diet? Is there a way for me to easily add it to my existing diet?
• Is the supplement proven to be effective for my purposes?
• Is it safe for me to use?
• Does the supplement come from a reliable source?
• Are there adverse side effects?
• Is it easily available and affordable?

It's...complicated. The dietary supplement industry is monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it is not as strictly regulated as other industries (e.g. food, prescription and over-the-counter drugs). Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the FDA is not authorized to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. In fact, in many cases, companies can lawfully introduce dietary supplements to the market without even notifying FDA.

So how do you identify which supplements are safe to use? One way is by looking for supplements that have a third-party certification seal. These certifications show that the product has been independently tested and evaluated, and that the manufacturing and storage facilities meet certain requirements. You can learn more about third-party certification here. Another way is by looking at the Supplement Facts panel. Learn how to read a Supplement Facts panel here.

With any supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before use. This is especially true if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, nursing, under the age of 18, or are taking any medications/under a physician's care for a medical condition.