Do Health Supplements Really Have Therapeutic Effects? - Nutrition

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Do health supplements have therapeutic effects?


Hello, a friend mentioned that taking health supplements can cause reactions, such as itching of the scalp or rashes on the skin, indicating that there might be an issue with that part of the body.
Is this correct? Can foods have such therapeutic effects? If I want to send something for testing, where should I send it? Is there a testing fee?

Juan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/02

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition


Hello! I do not agree that taking health supplements can lead to adverse reactions.
Health supplements must be approved by the Department of Health before they can make any claims.
The Department of Health's "Food Information Network" website publishes a list of approved health supplements, and you can check whether a product is on that list.
If a product is not on the list but claims to be a health supplement, you do not need to worry about testing it; you can directly report it to your local health bureau.
Sincerely, Dietitian Shih Kuei-Mei, Director of the Nutrition Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2005/06/02

More Info


Health supplements, often marketed as products that can improve health or provide therapeutic benefits, can indeed elicit various reactions in the body. However, it is crucial to differentiate between genuine therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, such as allergies or intolerances.
When someone experiences symptoms like itching of the scalp or skin rashes after consuming a health supplement, it may indicate an allergic reaction rather than a therapeutic effect. Allergies can manifest in various ways, including skin reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or respiratory issues. These reactions occur because the body identifies certain ingredients in the supplement as harmful, triggering an immune response. Therefore, if someone experiences such symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and whether the supplement should be discontinued.

Regarding the therapeutic claims of health supplements, it is important to note that while some supplements may have beneficial effects, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. The efficacy of health supplements is often not as rigorously tested as pharmaceuticals, which undergo extensive clinical trials to establish their safety and effectiveness. Health supplements may provide benefits such as improved nutrition, enhanced immune function, or support for specific health conditions, but these claims should be approached with caution.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements, but they do not require pre-market approval for these products. This means that while some supplements may be beneficial, others may not have sufficient evidence to support their claims. Therefore, it is advisable to look for supplements that have been tested for quality and efficacy, preferably those that have received third-party certifications.

If you are considering sending a supplement for testing, you can contact a laboratory that specializes in dietary supplement analysis. Many independent labs can test for purity, potency, and the presence of contaminants. The cost of testing can vary significantly depending on the type of analysis performed, so it is advisable to inquire about fees beforehand.

In summary, while health supplements can have therapeutic effects, it is essential to be aware of the potential for adverse reactions and to approach claims of efficacy with skepticism. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen is always a good practice. Additionally, if you suspect that a supplement is causing adverse reactions, it is crucial to stop taking it and seek medical advice.

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