Nutrition Supplements & Integrative Medicine

Nutritional or dietary supplements are categorized as biologically based practices in Integrative and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Integrative medicine encompasses a wide variety of practices, therapies, and products that can be used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. This includes nutritional supplements, which may contain minerals, vitamins, herbal remedies, botanical extracts and more. People generally take these products orally to provide additional nutrients or support to the body. 

Unlike medications, FDA approval is not required before nutritional supplements are sold to consumers.. Companies that make nutritional supplements are expected to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), which means that the supplements must be produced according to specific quality standards. The manufacturer must also list the ingredients on the label, and the product cannot contain impurities or contaminants. The FDA maintains oversight of reports of adverse reactions, injuries, or illnesses associated with supplements. However, since the efficacy and safety of these supplements can vary, they should be used with caution. 

Individuals are encouraged to communicate with their healthcare provider if they intend to start a new supplement regimen or use supplements in combination with medications. It should be noted that combining nutritional supplements with medications may result in unwanted side effects including the increase or decrease of the medication’s effects or adverse reactions. Additionally, it is important to remember that these supplements should not be used as a substitute for receiving traditional medical care and treatment. 

Sources

“Complementary and Alternative Medicine”. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam 

“Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Resources”. ISPE. https://ispe.org/initiatives/regulatory-resources/gmp 

“What Are Dietary Supplements?” American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/complementary-and-integrative-medicine/dietary-supplements/intro.html 

“Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact”. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/know-science/how-medications-and-supplements-can-interact/introduction