Definition(s) of a dietary supplement
- A product (excluding tobacco) intended to supplement the diet with ingredients of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or other botanicals
- A substance to increase the total dietary intake
- A concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of any ingredients
Dietary supplements must be in what form(s)?
Must be in the form of a capsule, powder, or softgel
Are dietary supplements considered a drug or food?
Neither - it is it’s own category
When are supplements required?
When they’re deficient in a vitamin (ex. people take Vitamin D in winter)
How do taking dietary supplements affect people?
- Improve quality of life
- Improve self-esteem
- Promote a healthy life style
- Alternative treatment/medicine
- Active role in self health management
List some ingredients in dietary supplements
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Amino acids
- Other natural chemicals from (plants, animals, extracted or semi-synthetic)
Infusion
pouring hot water over an herb (ex. tea)
Decoction
boiling of herb (softens plant material ex. root or bark)
Water-based processes will only be used for ______ agents
hydrophillic
For lipophilic agents, _____ has been used (hydroalcoholic extracts)
alcohol
Describe herbs
- from natural plants
- raw or processed ingredients
- for daily intake
- better health benefits
- in the form of medicines
- specially labelled
- available as supplements
What is included under “Natural Health Products” (NHPs) ?
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathic medicines
- Traditional medicines
- Probiotics
- Other products (amino acids, fatty acids, etc.)
NHPs are ____
OTC
What are some dilemmas with NHPs/supplements?
- Food or medicine?
- Are they necessary?
- Are they safe?
- Can they be used with Rx meds?
What are some pros about NHPs/supplements?
- OTC availability
- Wide range of indications
- Use without consultation
What is a functional food?
A food that can potentially provide benefits
- Food with health benefits
- Foods for daily intake
- In the form of foods
- Labeled as foods
- Available as foods
What is the difference between a functional food and a nutraceutical?
A functional food is similar to a conventional food (i think it’s like how an orange can provide you with vitamin C)
A nutraceutical is isolated from a food and sold in dosage forms (so like a vitamin C tablet?)
Describe functional foods & nutraceuticals
Food components that provide demonstrated physiological benefits or reduce risk of chronic diseases, above and beyond their basic nutritional functions
Define “Alternative medicine” and list some examples
All other approaches and techniques that were not taught in “traditional” medical schools and residencies, but are practiced for healthcare improvement or disease treatment
Examples:
- hypnosis
- meditation
- chiropractice/massage
- acupuncture
- traditional medicine
What are some Use Concerns ?
- boundary not well-defined, terminology, interchangeable
- constant regulatory changes based on different situations and requirements
- lack of post-marketing surveillance of safety, efficacy, adverse effects, etc.
- inappropriate usage due to OTC status
- interactions with conventional medications is possible, information is deficient
Beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor):
Benefits?
44% reduction in the risk of precancerous colon tutors in subjects who neither drink nor smoke
Beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor):
Signs of too much?
- headache
- hair loss
- muscular stiffness
- fatigue
- liver damage
Vitamin B:
Benefits?
- B12 reduces depression
- B6/12 reduces risk of breast cancer and slows progression of Alzheimer’s disease
Vitamin C/Vitamin E:
Benefits?
cut stroke risk by 70% and 20%
