Health supplement suppliers make a lot of claims about the benefits of their products. Unfortunately, there’s also a lot of false claims made by bloggers and others online. How to know the difference? Here are five myths you need to know.

1. All Supplements are Automatically FDA Approved

The FDA does try to ensure that all supplements are safe. However, a supplement needn’t be FDA approved before it hits store shelves. If people report adverse consequences from the supplement, then the FDA may step in.

2. Supplements Don’t Interact With Prescription Medications

Supplements have real medicinal effects. As such, they do have the potential to interact with prescription medication. You should always tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking.

3. Supplement Labels Are Always Accurate

To ensure that the ingredients in the supplement are accurately reported on the label, use supplements that are tested by an unbiased third party such as NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia, Informed-Choice, Consumer Lab or Banned Substances Control Group. Otherwise, there’s no guarantee.

4. Supplements Always Do What They Promise

If your body has a deficiency in a certain area, a quality supplement may supply what your body needs to get better. But if you are taking a supplement that your body doesn’t really need, chances are you might not see any difference. Further, the FDA closely regulates what promises can be made regarding supplements. In some cases, you may see even better results than what is promised on a label.

5. Everyone Needs to Take Supplements

Supplements are an extra source of nutrients. If your diet already provides you with everything your body needs, and you enjoy optimal health, you may not need supplements. For most people, supplements are of great benefit; but not everyone in the world needs supplements.

Health supplements are not some kind of magic pill. However, being thoughtful about your supplement choice can reap tremendous benefits in your overall health and quality of life.

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