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CFSAN/Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements
December 2004
(Print version available in PDF)
Vitamins, Minerals, Nutrients | Botanicals and Other Substances |
---|---|
Multiple Vitamin/Mineral | Acidophilus |
Vitamin B Complex | Black Cohosh |
Vitamin C | Ginger |
Vitamin D | Evening Primrose Oil |
Vitamin E | Echinacea |
Beta-Carotene | Fiber |
Calcium | Garlic |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Ginkgo Biloba |
Folic Acid | Fish Oil |
Zinc | Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin Sulfate |
Iron | St. John's Wort |
Saw Palmetto | |
*Adapted from A Healthcare Professional's Guide to Evaluating Dietary Supplements, the American Dietetic Association & American Pharmaceutical Association Special Report (2000). |
Because many products are marketed as dietary supplements, it is important to remember that supplements include vitamins and minerals, as well as botanicals and other substances. The list* gives some examples of products you may see sold as dietary supplements. It is not possible to list them all here.
Note: the examples provided do not represent an endorsement or approval by any agency or organization that contributed to this material.
If you suspect that you have had a serious reaction to a dietary supplement, you and your doctor should report it to FDA Medwatch:
Below are three tools to help you and your health care team manage your dietary supplement and medicine intake:
Think about the following statements and use this checklist to talk to your health care provider about your nutritional status and whether taking a dietary supplement(s) is right for you.
Other Questions To Consider...
To have an accurate record for your health care provider, list all the supplements you take (e.g., multiple, single, or combination vitamins, minerals, or any botanical supplements) and how often. If you are unsure if a product is a dietary supplement, check to see if there is a Supplement Facts Label on the package.
Complete, print out, and share this chart with your health care provider so you can discuss what's best for your overall health.
It is very important that you consider your combined intake from all supplements (including multivitamins, single supplements, and combination products) plus fortified foods, like some cereals and drinks. Excess intakes of some supplements may cause health problems.
Refer to "Examples of Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements" for help completing this chart.
Please complete information about all of the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you frequently take or are currently taking (e.g., aspirin, pain reliever, cold medicine, stool softener, etc.). Provide this information to your health care provider so he or she can update your records and better respond to your questions.
Links to non-Federal government organizations do not represent endorsement of these organizations or their materials.
Organizations that contributed to this educational material are the Administration on Aging (Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS]), American Academy of Family Physicians, American Association of Retired Persons, American Dietetic Association, American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration (DHHS), Food Marketing Institute, International Food Information Council Foundation, National Council on Patient Information and Education, Office of Dietary Supplements (National Institutes of Health, DHHS), and the Office on Women's Health (DHHS).