Can you believe there are probably over 100,000 different dietary supplements out there? Crazy, right? And get this, they’re not even regulated like food by the FDA. So, while around 74% of U.S. adults take these things regularly, they might not be as harmless as we think.
So, what are these supplements exactly? They’re like those pills, capsules, gummies, or powders you take to get extra stuff like vitamins, minerals, or herbs. They’re supposed to add to your diet, not replace your meals. But here’s the kicker: the FDA doesn’t check them out before they hit the shelves. Yup, anyone can make a supplement and sell it without proving it works or is safe. They only step in if something’s really wrong.
Now, before you grab just any old supplement, there are a few things you should think about:
First off, consider what you actually need. Just because something worked for your buddy doesn’t mean it’ll do the trick for you. Check the label for any allergens or stuff you’re trying to avoid, like soy or gluten.
Then, there’s the whole quality and safety deal. You wouldn’t eat sketchy food, right? Same goes for supplements. Look for brands that get third-party tested. That means someone else checked to make sure what’s on the label matches what’s inside, and that there’s nothing harmful lurking in there.
So, next time you’re browsing the supplement aisle, keep these things in mind. Your body will thank you!
