Write a 400 word paper on the supplement controversy. After doing some research on the subject, tell me if you are for, against, or on the fence when it comes to taking nutritional supplements.
aLearning Objectives for Supplement Controversy
At the completion of this module, the student will be able to:
• Define “nutritional supplement”
• Define the assurances of “USP”
• Give both valid and invalid reasons for taking supplements
• Give information on a specific nutritional supplement
• Identify the main risk factors associated with taking any nutritional supplement
• List examples of people which may benefit from taking a nutritional supplement
Introduction to the Supplement Controversy
Who among you does not know someone, perhaps yourself, who takes a supplement? According to national surveys, nutritional supplements are quite popular here in the US. The reasons for taking them vary widely. Some are seeking that “competitive edge”. Others are looking to extend their life expectancy. Many take them in fear that their diets are poor and are looking for some insurance in meeting their vitamin and mineral needs. Whatever the reason for taking them, the concern is whether or not the supplement user has weighed in on the pros and cons.
Most folks assume that, if the item is sold over the counter, it has to be safe. And the fact that practically all stores carry them, they probably have to be monitored as closely as the foods and drugs sold in the same store. The truth of the matter is, they are not.
The Dietary Supplement Health Act of 1994 subjects supplements to the same general labeling requirements, but they do not need to be proven safe and effective, nor do they need approval from the Food and Drug Association (FDA) to be marketed. Scariest of all, there are no requirements for providing warnings of potential side effects. When people believe that a supplement may possibly cure a medical condition, they may choose to self-prescribe rather than seek medical attention. This is risky business, as most people are unaware of the potential harm in taking high dosages of certain nutrients. Not only that, they may delay getting the medical intervention required that is proven to help.
Supplements can be purchased as single nutrients (usually a vitamin, an amino acid, or a mineral) or in combination with others (usually a multi-vitamin/ mineral supplement). If you compare the dosages of the latter, they are usually much less than as a single dose. With research, scientist agree there should be limits to the dosages of most of these nutrients. These are termed “Tolerable Upper Intakes”. For example, the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin C is set at 2000 mg. When sold as part of a multi-vitamin supplement, the dosage of vitamin C is (100%) of the recommended dietary allowance but well below the tolerable upper intake). But sold as a single nutrient supplement, the dosages usually vary from 500 mg to 2000 mg per pill. Knowing that many people take their supplements more than once a day, you can see the potential for over-dosing is real.
When it comes to standardizing potency or dosage, it is voluntary whether or not the supplement manufacturer decides to have their product approved by the US Pharmacopeia (USP). If the supplement does not display the USP logo, there is no guarantee that what the label says is in the bottle, really is! Not only that, the USP stamp indicates that the supplement was made in sanitary conditions which helps ensure against harmful contaminants. They will check to be sure the supplement will disintegrate. Otherwise, what you think you are getting, may not even be absorbed.
There are some instances when supplements are beneficial. Here are some example.
• Obviously, anyone diagnosed with a true nutrient deficiency would be prescribed the necessary supplement.
• Elderly people who do not get outdoors for their sunshine, would benefit from Vitamin D. (Note: This is a potentially toxic vitamin, so don’t self-prescribe!)
• Vegans who eat no animal products need foods fortified with Vitamin B12, if not a supplement.
• People who take in so few calories as to limit their nutrient intake (usually less than 1600 calories a day) would benefit from a multi-vitamin mineral supplement.
• Women of childbearing age may prevent birth defects by taking folic acid supplements.
• Infants often have iron and fluoride supplements prescribed by their pediatrician.
• People with diseases, injuries, or infections that interfere with the absorption or metabolism of nutrients.
• People recovering from physical stresses of surgery or burns.
Unfortunately, many people take them for the wrong reasons like these:
• Belief that the soil has rendered plants devoid of nutrients
• Belief that supplements work faster than diet and exercise to build lean tissue
• Belief that supplements help people cope with stress
• Belief that supplements can prevent, treat or cure conditions
Recommended Resources on the net for the Supplement Controversy
www.dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov
https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm153239.htm
www.usp.org
www.fda.gov/medwatch
www.eatright.org
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