According to federal regulations, dietary supplements are products that meet the following criteria:

• They are taken orally in forms such as pills, capsules, powders, or liquids.

• Their purpose is to complement your regular diet.

• They contain one or more dietary components, including substances like vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, organ or gland extracts, or any combinations of these elements.

• The product is clearly marked as a dietary supplement on its label.

Herbal supplements, often referred to as botanicals, are considered a subgroup of dietary supplements that include ingredients derived from plant sources.

The scientific backing for dietary supplements can vary significantly. Some have been studied extensively, while others have limited research available. If you're thinking of taking a dietary supplement, consider the following points:

• The supplement available in stores or online might not be exactly the same as the product used in research studies.

• Supplements can interact with prescription medications or may pose health risks, especially if you have medical conditions or are scheduled for surgery.

• Most supplements are not tested for safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in children.

• There can be discrepancies between the label and what's actually inside the supplement. For instance, some products promoted for purposes like weight loss, enhancing sexual performance, or building muscle have been discovered to contain banned substances or undeclared ingredients, some of which may be harmful.

• The regulations for producing and selling dietary supplements are less rigorous than those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires pre-market safety data on new ingredients not sold in dietary supplements prior to 1994, it does not assess supplement products for safety or effectiveness before they enter the market.

• In 2023, the FDA introduced the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Directory. This is an online resource where people can view information about ingredients found in dietary supplements, including any statements or actions taken by the FDA concerning those ingredients.

For More Information

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers details on complementary and integrative health practices and programs related to NCCIH. It includes access to federal databases, brochures, and basic information. Note that this service does not offer medical advice, recommendations for treatment, or referrals to healthcare professionals.

Toll-free (U.S. only): 1-888-644-6226

TRS: Dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications relay services

Know the Science

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide educational tools aimed at helping people understand scientific concepts and studies that influence health decisions. The Know the Science initiative includes interactive learning, quizzes, videos, and links to federal sites that help demystify health information.

Some useful resources include explanations of how scientific research is conducted, how to interpret studies, and how to read scientific articles effectively.

PubMed®

PubMed® is operated by the National Library of Medicine and offers access to journal citations and abstracts from numerous biomedical publications. NCCIH offers guidance on how to use PubMed to search for credible information on complementary health approaches.

Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH

The NIH’s Office of Dietary Supplements works to enhance understanding through the assessment of scientific evidence, supporting research, and public education. Its offerings include fact sheets and publications on common supplement ingredients like vitamin D and multivitamins.

They have also made materials available discussing supplement use during times of health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

This content is in the public domain and may be freely reproduced.

The NCCIH offers this information to inform but not replace professional medical guidance. It’s essential to talk with your healthcare provider when making any choices concerning your health treatment or care. Mention of a specific supplement or therapy does not imply an endorsement by NCCIH.