special subjects
Overview of Dietary Supplements
Other Concerns
In addition to drug interactions, there are other potential issues with using dietary supplements: Supplements (especially herbal products) may not be stable once manufactured and may, as a result, yield inconsistent benefits or no benefit at all. Unlike with prescription drugs, there is often little evidence about the best dose of supplements. People may use dietary supplements instead of conventional drugs prescribed by their doctor. Supplements may be toxic and cause harm. Supplement use may contribute to incorrect diagnosis of a medical problem because placebo effects can simulate true benefits, particularly if the person and/or doctor strongly believe in the supplement. Therapeutic responses to supplements, placebo-mediated or otherwise, could be mistaken as evidence that confirms a particular, possibly incorrect, diagnosis. To avoid or manage these potential issues, it is important that people disclose their use of all dietary supplements to their doctor. 