Supplements: Use a Dose of Caution

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Check With your doctor first

Dietary supplements aren’t a panacea, but they may be a tool in healthful living, says David Grotto, a nutritionist and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. They can fill shortfalls in the diet. Consumers should be aware, however, that they aren’t regulated in the same way as prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The American Medical Association (AHA) supports adding tighter regulations.

Consumers should always consult with their doctors before taking any supplement. Interactions with heart medications are a serious concern, says Ron Davis, M.D., a physician and spokesperson for the AMA.

Phil Gregory, editor of the Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database published by Consumer Reports, agrees: “If herbs are active enough to do good, they might be active enough to do harm.”