Who is most likely to benefit from dietary supplements?

Dietary supplement usage was higher among women than men, and in adults the prevalence of usage increased with age, reaching 66 percent in men over 70 and 75 percent in women over 70.

When should I take dietary supplements?

Always take your supplement according to the directions on the label. For best absorption, some dietary supplements should be taken with food; you may need to take others on an empty stomach. Fat-soluble vitamins should be taken with a meal containing some kind of fat to aid absorption.

Are dietary supplements recommended for the general population?

But it’s pretty clear that supplement use has no benefit for the general population. Supplements are not a substitute for a healthy balanced diet,” said Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, the study’s senior author.

When can dietary supplements harm the body?

You are most likely to have side effects from dietary supplements if you take them at high doses or instead of prescribed medicines, or if you take many different supplements. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or, if taken before surgery, can change your response to anesthesia.

Can dietitians recommend supplements?

Many dietitians, like other health professionals, use dietary supplements regularly as part of their own approach to a healthy diet and lifestyle. They also recommend dietary supplements to their clients or patients, to promote health.

Are dietary supplements helpful or harmful?

Used properly, certain dietary supplements may help reduce the risk of some diseases. Some might also reduce discomfort caused by certain conditions or medicines or help you feel better, which can improve your quality of life. Most people can use dietary supplements safely as long as they don’t take too much.

Do dietary supplements work?

But unlike medicines, supplements can’t claim to cure, treat or prevent a disease. “There’s little evidence that any supplement can reverse the course of any chronic disease,” says Hopp. “Don’t take supplements with that expectation.” Evidence does suggest that some supplements can enhance health in different ways.