A doctor’s consultation before taking a dietary supplement: why is it needed

A doctor’s consultation before taking a dietary supplement: why is it needed

I. Bades: General representation and prevalence

1. Definition and classification of dietary supplements: Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes. They are not drugs. Classification of dietary supplements can be based on various criteria, including:

   • Appointment: Nutricotics (sources of nutrients), parapharmaceuticals (affect the functions of the body), probiotics and prebiotics (support microflora).
   • Composition: Vitamin complexes, mineral additives, plant extracts, amino acids, fatty acids.
   • Output form: Tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, bars.

2. The growing popularity and the reasons for its conditionality: The popularity of dietary supplements is steadily growing all over the world. A number of factors contribute to this:

   • Health care: Increased interest in maintaining health and prevention of diseases.
   • Disadvantages of nutrition: Unstable nutrition, a shortage of necessary vitamins and minerals in the diet.
   • Marketing strategies: Aggressive advertising that promises improvement of health, increase energy, weight loss and other positive effects.
   • Accessibility: A wide range of dietary supplements in pharmacies, online stores and other retail outlets.
   • Self -medication: The desire to independently solve health problems without a doctor.
   • Faith in nature: The belief that the natural components of dietary supplements are more safe and useful than synthetic medicines.

3. Differences between dietary supplements and drugs: It is important to clearly understand the differences between dietary supplements and drugs:

   • Regulation: Medicines undergo strict clinical trials to confirm efficiency and safety, while dietary supplements are subjected to less rigid control.
   • Appointment: Medicines are intended for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of diseases, and dietary supplements for enriching the diet and maintaining health.
   • Evidence base: The effectiveness of drugs is confirmed by clinical studies, and for dietary supplements the evidence base is often limited or absent.
   • Quality control: The production of drugs is strictly regulated, and for dietary supplements, the requirements for quality control are less strict.
   • Side effects: Medicines can cause side effects that should be indicated in the instructions, while information about the side effects of dietary supplements is often absent or incomplete.

II. Risks and potential negative consequences of dietary supplements

1. Lack of proven effectiveness: Many dietary supplements do not have a sufficient evidence base confirming their effectiveness. Marketing promises are often exaggerated or not true. Reception of ineffective dietary supplements can lead to loss of time and money, as well as postpone the necessary treatment.

2. Incorrect dosage and reception mode: Incorrect dosage of dietary supplements can lead to undesirable side effects or the absence of the expected result. The reception mode is also important, since some dietary supplements are better absorbed with food, while others are on an empty stomach. Without consulting a doctor, it is difficult to determine the optimal dosage and reception mode.

3. Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. For example, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives, and vitamin K can affect the action of anticoagulants. The doctor can evaluate potential interactions and adjust the treatment regimen.

4. The content of harmful impurities and falsifications: The quality control of dietary supplements is less strict than the quality control of drugs. This increases the risk of harmful impurities in the dietary supplement, such as heavy metals, pesticides or bacteria. There is also a risk of acquiring falsified dietary supplements containing not declared ingredients or ineffective substances.

5. Masks of symptoms of serious diseases: Reception of dietary supplements to relieve symptoms can disguise serious diseases and delay timely diagnosis and treatment. For example, taking dietary supplement to improve digestion can hide the symptoms of stomach cancer.

6. Allergic reactions and individual intolerance: Bades can cause allergic reactions and individual intolerance, especially in people with allergies to certain products or plants. Symptoms of allergies can vary from light skin rashes to severe anaphylactic reactions.

7. The risk of an overdose of vitamins and minerals: Excessive use of vitamins and minerals, especially fat -soluble (A, D, E, K), can lead to hypervitaminosis and toxic effects. For example, an overdose of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, and an overdose of iron can lead to damage to the liver.

8. Negative effect on the function of the liver and kidneys: Some dietary supplements can have a negative impact on the function of the liver and kidneys, especially with prolonged use or in high doses. For example, some plant extracts can be hepatotoxic, and excessive use of creatine can load the kidneys.

9. Psychological dependence: Some people may experience psychological dependence on the use of dietary supplements, considering them necessary to maintain health and well -being. This can lead to excessive use of dietary supplements and ignoring other aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

III. Why is a doctor’s consultation before taking dietary supplements?

1. Individual assessment of the health status and needs of the body: The doctor can evaluate your state of health, anamnesis, test results and other factors to determine if you need dietary supplements and which ones. The needs of the body in nutrients depend on age, gender, physical activity, state of health and other individual factors.

2. Identification of a deficiency of vitamins and minerals: The doctor may prescribe blood tests to detect a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. This will allow you to choose dietary supplements containing the necessary nutrients in an adequate dosage.

3. Exclusion of contraindications and possible side effects: The doctor may evaluate the presence of contraindications for taking certain dietary supplements, taking into account your health status, medications taken and other factors. He can also warn about possible side effects and give recommendations for their minimization.

4. Assessment of the interaction of dietary supplements with drugs: The doctor can evaluate the potential interactions of dietary supplements with the drugs that you take. This will help to avoid undesirable effects and ensure the effectiveness of treatment.

5. Selection of optimal dosage and reception mode: The doctor can choose the optimal dosage and the reception mode of dietary supplements, taking into account your individual needs and features. This will maximize the benefits and minimize the risk of side effects.

6. Diagnosis of hidden diseases: The doctor can identify hidden diseases that can cause a deficiency of vitamins and minerals or symptoms that you are trying to relieve with the help of dietary supplements.

7. Development of a comprehensive treatment and prevention plan: The doctor can develop a comprehensive plan for treatment and prevention, including not only taking dietary supplements, but also other measures, such as a change in lifestyle, diet, physical exercises and others.

8. Monitoring the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements: The doctor can control the effectiveness and safety of admission of dietary supplements by tracking your health status and test results. This will timely identify and eliminate possible problems.

IV. What should be discussed with a doctor before taking dietary supplements?

1. A complete list of drugs taken, including prescription and over -the -counter drugs: It is important to inform the doctor about all the drugs that you take, including prescription and over -the -counter drugs, as well as other dietary supplements and plant agents. This will help the doctor evaluate potential interactions and avoid undesirable effects.

2. Information about existing diseases and allergies: Tell the doctor about all existing diseases and allergies so that he can evaluate contraindications and risk of side effects.

3. The objectives of admission of dietary supplements and the expected results: Explain to the doctor why you want to take dietary supplements and what results you expect. This will help the doctor evaluate the feasibility of receiving dietary supplements and choose the most suitable funds.

4. Specific names of the dietary supplements that you plan to accept, and their composition: Give the doctor information about the specific names of the dietary supplements that you plan to accept and their composition. This will help the doctor evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these tools.

5. Dosage and reception mode of dietary supplements indicated on the packaging: Show the doctor the dosage and the dedary reception mode indicated on the packaging. This will help the doctor evaluate whether they correspond to your individual needs.

6. Questions and doubts regarding the reception of dietary supplements: Feel free to ask the doctor questions and express your doubts about the admission of dietary supplements. The doctor will be able to dispel your doubts and provide you with the necessary information.

V. How to find a qualified doctor to consult a dietary supplement?

1. Contact your attending physician: Your attending physician, therapist or family doctor, most likely will be able to give you general recommendations for receiving dietary supplements.

2. Consult a dietitian or nutritionist: A dietitologist or nutritionist specializes in nutrition and can help you choose dietary supplements that meet your needs.

3. Look for a doctor with experience with dietary supplements: Look for a doctor who has experience with dietary supplements and is interested in this topic. You can ask recommendations from friends and acquaintances or look for information on the Internet.

4. Make sure the doctor has appropriate qualifications and license: Before going to the doctor, make sure that he has appropriate qualifications and license. This guarantees that you will receive qualified help.

5. Pay attention to the reviews of other patients: Read the reviews of other patients about the doctor to get an idea of ​​his professionalism and experience.

VI. Alternative approaches to maintaining health without dietary supplements

1. Balanced nutrition: Balanced nutrition is the basis of health and well -being. Use a variety of products rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

2. Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises help maintain health of the cardiovascular system, strengthen muscles and bones, improve mood and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

3. Healthy sleep: Sufficient and high -quality sleep is necessary to restore the body and maintain health. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

4. Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect health. Learn to manage stress using meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or other methods.

5. Refusal of bad habits: Refusal of smoking, alcohol abuse and other bad habits is an important step towards maintaining health.

6. Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations help to identify diseases in the early stages and prevent their development.

7. Sunlight: Get a sufficient amount of sunlight so that your body can produce vitamin D.

VII. Legislative regulation of dietary supplements: what the consumer needs to know

1. The regulatory framework regulates the turnover of dietary supplements: In Russia, the turnover of dietary supplements is regulated by the Federal Law “On the quality and safety of food products” and other regulatory legal acts.

2. Requirements for registration and certification of dietary supplements: Bades are subject to state registration, which confirms their compliance with security requirements. Also, some dietary supplements can be subject to certification.

3. Marking rules and information that should be indicated on the pack of dietary supplements: The following information should be indicated on the Bad packaging: the name of the dietary supplement, the composition, dosage, the reception mode, contraindications, shelf life, information about the manufacturer and other information provided for by law.

4. Responsibility of the manufacturer and seller for the quality and safety of dietary supplements: The manufacturer and seller are responsible for the quality and safety of dietary supplements. If violations are detected, they can be brought to administrative or criminal liability.

5. How to check the registration of dietary supplements and make sure of its legality: Information about registered dietary supplements can be found in the state register, which is carried out by Rospotrebnadzor.

VIII. Myths and misconceptions about dietary supplements

1. Myth: The dietary supplements are absolutely safe, as they are natural. Reality: natural origin does not guarantee security. Some plant components can cause allergic reactions, interact with drugs or have a toxic effect on the body.

2. Myth: dietary supplements can replace good nutrition. Reality: dietary supplements are an addition to nutrition, not a replacement. They do not contain all the necessary nutrients that are contained in a balanced diet.

3. Myth: The larger the dose of dietary supplements, the better the effect. Reality: Exceeding the recommended dose can lead to side effects and toxic reactions.

4. Myth: Bads help to lose weight without a diet and physical exercises. Reality: Dietary supplements for weight loss can only have an auxiliary effect. The main factor of losing weight is a balanced diet and regular physical exercises.

5. Myth: If dietary supplement is sold in a pharmacy, it is necessarily effective and safe. Reality: Selling in a pharmacy is not a guarantee of the effectiveness and safety of Bad. It is important to carefully study the composition and contraindications, as well as consult a doctor.

IX. Legal aspects and protection of consumers of dietary supplements

1. Legislation on the protection of consumer rights in the field of dietary supplements: The rights of consumers of dietary supplements are protected by the Law of the Russian Federation “On Protection of Consumer Rights”.

2. Consumer rights to receive reliable information about the dietary supplement: The consumer has the right to receive reliable information about the dietary supplement, including the composition, dosage, reception mode, contraindications and information about the manufacturer.

3. The right to return or exchange of low -quality dietary supplement: The consumer has the right to return or exchange of poor -quality dietary supplements.

4. Where to contact in case of violation of consumer rights when buying a dietary supplement: In case of violation of consumer rights when buying a dietary supplement, you should apply to Rospotrebnadzor or a court.

X. Prospects for the development of the market market and the role of a doctor in this process

1. Dange market development trends: The dietary supplement market continues to grow and develop. New products, new technologies and new research are emerging.

2. The role of the doctor in informing patients about dietary supplements: The doctor should play a key role in informing patients about dietary supplements, providing them with reliable information about their effectiveness, safety and potential risks.

3. The need to improve the qualifications of doctors in the field of nutrition and dietary supplements: In order to effectively advise patients on admission of dietary supplements, doctors need to improve their qualifications in the field of nutrition and dietary supplements.

4. Development of clinical recommendations for the use of dietary supplements: The development of clinical recommendations for the use of dietary supplements will help doctors make reasonable decisions and prescribe dietary supplements in accordance with the needs of patients.