Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are items that people include in their diets. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids are among them. They can take the form of pills, liquids, powders, or energy bars.

Although dietary supplements can help support good health, they can also have negative side effects and cause health problems. Before taking any medication, it is critical to consider the health benefits and risks.

Dietary Products

Dietary supplements can cause problems for anyone. Some women must take extra precautions to stay safe.

Women Who Are Pregnant

• Consult your doctor about the type of prenatal vitamins you should take.

• Find out how much folic acid you should take before getting pregnant and during the first trimester. Folic acid aids in the prevention of birth defects in the baby's brain and spine.

Women who have children

• Consult your doctor before giving a child supplements such as vitamins.

• Keep all supplements out of reach and sight of your child.

Women with Health Issues

• Nutritional supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure disease.

• Do not substitute supplements for prescription medications.

• Inform your doctor about any herbs, vitamins, or other products you use. Some of them can have an impact on how your prescriptions work.

• Some dietary supplements can be harmful if taken prior to surgery.

Questions to Consider When Purchasing Supplements

Before using a dietary supplement, consult with your healthcare provider. Ask:

• What amount should I take? Some supplements can make you sick if you take too much of them.

• Will they have an effect on the prescription or over-the-counter medications I'm taking?

• When should I start taking them? How long will this last?

Supplements for the diet

FDA Can help you

How the FDA Can Assist You

After unsafe products have been placed on the market, the FDA takes action.

However, before dietary supplements are sold, the FDA does not review or approve their safety. The FDA also investigates and prosecutes false claims on product labels and other product information.

• If you have a serious problem after taking a dietary supplement, contact the FDA. www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088

• Go to the FDA's website for more information and safety alerts. www.fda.gov/Food/

Be a Savvy Shopper.

Be wary of swindles and false claims. If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is.

Before you buy, make sure you have all of the facts.

• Confirm the source of the information on the product's website or TV commercial.

•For more information, contact the product's manufacturer by phone or in writing.

• Visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website to learn more about dietary supplement research. http://ods.od.nih.gov

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission about false advertising (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/ or call 1-877-382-4357

The FDA Office of Women's Health created this fact sheet.

Go to for more information on other women's health resources.

www.fda.gov/womens

• What amount should I take? Some supplements can make you sick if you take too much of them.

• Will they have an effect on the prescription or over-the-counter medications I'm taking?

• When should I start taking them? How long will this last?

The FDA Office of Women's Health created this fact sheet. Visit the FDA Office of Women's Health at www.fda.gov/womenshealth for additional women's health resources.