Vitamins and Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy
Supplements can complement a balanced diet but they do not replace it. Here is how to choose with care.
Vitamins, minerals and other supplements are popular, and the shelves can look confusing. These general points can help you shop with more confidence.
A supplement is an addition, not a replacement. A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein and enough water remains the foundation of good nutrition. Supplements are meant to complement food, not to take its place.
Read the label carefully. Check what the product contains, the form it comes in, the directions for use printed on the pack, any warnings, and the expiry date. Follow the directions on the label and do not take more than the pack says.
More is not always better. Some vitamins and minerals can cause problems when taken in large amounts or together with other products that contain the same ingredient, so count everything you take, including multivitamins and fortified foods.
Tell your pharmacist and doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, take regular medicines, or are buying for a child or an older person, ask before starting a supplement, because the right choice depends on the person.
Be careful with big promises. A supplement is not a cure. Be wary of any product that promises to treat a disease or to give very quick results.
Buy from a reliable source, keep the product in its original pack in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist about what is suitable for you.
General information only. It does not replace a consultation with your doctor or pharmacist.
