In pursuit of better health and longevity, a growing number of Americans are turning to dietary supplements. According to the latest data, 75% of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, with 91% of users believing these products are essential for maintaining health, boosting immunity, and increasing energy. Notably, about 80% prefer supplements to over-the-counter or prescription medications when appropriate.
What Are Dietary Supplements?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines dietary supplements as products intended to supplement the diet and are different from conventional food. Generally, to the extent a product is intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases, it is a drug, even if it is labeled as a dietary supplement.
Supplements come in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, bars, gummies, and liquids. Common categories include:
- Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D, Biotin, Multivitamins)
- Minerals (e.g., Calcium, Magnesium, Iron)
- Herbs/Botanicals (e.g., Echinacea, Ginger)
- Botanical Compounds (e.g., Caffeine, Curcumin)
- Amino Acids (e.g., Tryptophan, Glutamine)
- Probiotics (live microbial cultures)
Understanding Vitamin Types
According to Yale New Haven Health, vitamins fall into two main categories:
- Water-Soluble Vitamins
These dissolve in water and must be replenished daily through food or supplements. Overconsumption is rare, as excess amounts are flushed out in urine. Examples include:
- Folic acid
- Biotin
- Pantothenic acid
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Thiamin
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins
These are stored in the body’s tissues, making it easier for them to build up to potentially toxic levels. Fat-soluble vitamins include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
What Is Vitamin Toxicity?
While typically safe, excessive vitamin intake—especially of fat-soluble types—can lead to vitamin toxicity (hypervitaminosis). Symptoms may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Fatigue, dizziness, stomach cramps
- Peeling or itchy skin
- Poor muscle coordination, bone pain
- Hair loss, kidney stones
- Irregular menstruation
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Hemorrhaging
Severe cases may result in osteoporosis, heart and liver damage, neurological issues, stroke, birth defects, coma, or even death.
How can you know what kinds of vitamins or supplements to avoid and what is actually good for you?
Supplement use is generally safe when taken according to label instructions and within tolerable limits. However, many common foods are already fortified with vitamins and minerals, which should be considered when dose selection is made for a given vitamin/supplement.
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is the best foundation for good health—and may reduce or eliminate the need for specific supplements.
Best Practice? Consult Your Physician
While most people disclose their prescription medications to their doctors, many fail to mention supplement use. This can be risky.
Dr. Kali Hollingsworth of the Kettering Physician Network emphasizes:
“Just like prescription drugs, supplements can interact with medications or pre-existing health conditions. The wrong combinations—or incorrect doses—can do more harm than good.”
For example, supplements may interfere with:
- Birth control
- Blood thinners
- Heart medications
- Antibiotics
- Alcohol
Before starting any new supplement, consult your doctor, especially if you’re on other medications or managing a health condition. Personalized advice based on age, activity level, and overall health is essential.
If You’re a Caregiver
If you manage medications for a loved one, maintain a comprehensive list of everything they take: prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, supplements, vitamins, and detox regimens.
- Share the list with all providers.
- Have it reviewed at least annually by a doctor or pharmacist to identify possible interactions.
Final Thought
Supplements can support wellness—but only when used wisely. Talk to a healthcare provider, read labels carefully, and understand your nutritional needs before adding any new supplement to your routine.
Sources:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Older Adults and Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/older-adults-and-mental-health Discusses prevalence, symptoms, and treatment gaps among older men.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Suicide Statistics for Older Adults https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html Confirms that men aged 75+ have the highest suicide rates by age group.
- American Psychological Association (APA) – Mental Health and Aging https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/guides/older Covers stigma, treatment access, and clinical recommendations.
- AARP Mental Health Tools https://www.aarp.org/health/mental-health/ A practical guide for older adults and caregivers.
- Men’s Health Forum (UK) – “Older Men and Mental Health” https://www.menshealthforum.org.ukOffers unique insights into gendered barriers to care.
- National Council on Aging (NCOA) – Behavioral Health and Older Adults
🔗 https://www.ncoa.org/article/mental-health-in-older-adults - Focuses on risk factors and caregiver tools.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Mental Health and Older Adults
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults Global mental health data, including early signs of depression in elderly men.
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen, starting new therapies, or discontinuing existing treatments. Mention of specific practices, therapies, or organizations does not constitute an endorsement. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect the policies or positions of any affiliated entities.