Dietary Supplements Are Not Drugs

I received a call in a late evening few days ago from an elderly family friend. She told me that she just got a bottle of “colon health” from pharmacy for prolonged constipation and asking if this drug would work well? After I said that this product is a supplement, not a drug, and she may not expect a quick resolution for her current situation, she was in a disbelieve. Then, she asked “what is a supplement?” Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, amino acids, or other dietary ingredients. You take these products by mouth in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form to supplement your diet. Most people don't need to take vitamin supplements and are able to get all the vitamins and minerals they need by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Dietary supplements are not drugs. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diets of special needs or deficits, but not to replace the balance of the variety of foods important to a healthy diet. Quality food intake is the best source for nutrition and well-being. Go to qualitylifeforum.net to learn more about regulatory background, differences between OTC drugs and supplements, and considerations for supplement use. Feel free to contact RN@QualityLifeForum.net for your health coaching needs.