Dietary Supplement: Use & Abuse 
                     DIETARY SUPPLEMENT: USE & 
ABUSE 
INTRODUCTION
Dietary Supplements can be beneficial to 
your health — but taking supplements can 
also involve health risks.
Source: www.fda.gov
WHAT ARE DIETARY 
SUPPLEMENTS?
Dietary supplements include such 
ingredients as vitamins, minerals, herbs, 
amino acids, and enzymes. Dietary 
supplements are marketed in forms such 
as tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, 
powders, and liquids.
Source: www.fda.gov
BENEFITS OF DIETARY 
SUPPLEMENTS
Some supplements can help assure that 
you get enough of the vital substances the 
body needs to function; others may help 
reduce the risk of disease. 
Source: www.fda.gov
RISKS IN TAKING 
SUPPLEMENTS
Many supplements contain active 
ingredients that have strong biological 
effects in the body. This could make them 
unsafe in some situations and hurt or 
complicate your health.
Source: www.fda.gov
COMMON DIETARY 
SUPPLEMENTS
• Calcium
• Echinacea
• Fish Oil
• Ginseng
• Glucosamine and/or
• Chondroitin Sulphate
• Garlic
• Vitamin D
• Ginkgo
• Green Tea
Source: www.fda.gov
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 
THE SAFETY OF DIETARY 
SUPPLEMENTS?
• The manufacturers and distributors of dietary 
supplements are responsible for making sure 
their products are safe BEFORE they go to 
market.
Source: www.fda.gov
WHEN TO TAKE THE 
SUPPLEMENT?
• Before making decisions about whether to take a 
supplement, talk to your healthcare provider. 
They can help you achieve a balance between the 
foods and nutrients you personally need.
Source: www.fda.gov
SUPPLEMENTS ARE NOT 
MEANT FOR TREATING 
• Unlike drugs, supplements are not permitted to 
be marketed for the purpose of treating, 
diagnosing, preventing, or curing diseases. 
Source: www.fda.gov
UNWANTED EFFECTS 
OF SUPPLEMENTS
• Taking too much of some supplements, such as 
vitamin A, vitamin D, or iron
• Some supplements can also have unwanted 
effects before, during, and after surgery. So, be 
sure to inform your healthcare provider, 
including your pharmacist about any 
supplements you are taking.
Source: www.fda.gov
SPECIAL CONCERNS
• Some dietary supplements can cause skin 
sensitivity and severe reactions when taken 
during radiation treatment. If you are getting 
radiation treatments, talk to your doctors before 
taking any supplement.
Source: www.fda.gov