Julia Guerrero HARLINGEN– A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control in 2018 showed more than 57% of adults in the U.S. took daily dietary supplements. The National Institutes of Health said dietary supplements are used to help fill the gaps in a person’s diet where there is a lack of nutrition. According to the CDC, the most common supplement people take is a daily multivitamin but can come in many forms from pills to the add-ins in protein and energy drinks.
Chelsea Alamilla, clinical assistant professor for the Master of Science and Dietetics Program, said supplements can help boost your diet when cleared by a doctor, but they should not be the first option.
“The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that to use whole foods first no matter what. If you are training for an athletic event or if you are an athlete, they recommend using whole foods first. Then if there is some sort of gap; carbohydrates, proteins, then look into supplements,” Alamilla said. “When we look at the studies, the studies tell us that taking it in the form of a supplement is not beneficial over eating it in whole foods.”
Alamilla said it is best to do your research before taking supplements because there are some ingredients that have been banned and are not safe for consumers.
Alexsandro Muñoz, psychology sophomore, said he takes supplements such as creatine and energy drinks daily.
“I got it cleared by a doctor as well as did a lot of research more in the gym industry or workout industry because a lot of supplements out there don’t have that much information and actually affect your body in so many different ways,” said Muñoz.
Even with research and doctor clearance, consumers should be mindful when taking supplements as they are regulated differently than whole foods are. The Food and Drug Administration regulates all foods and food ingredients that are offered for sale except for a variety of meats that are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which dietary supplements do not follow.
According to the FDA, manufacturers and suppliers are responsible for the safety of dietary supplements prior to consumption and are required to report any negative effects of the supplements to the FDA.
To find out more information on supplements you may be taking, you can research through the National Institutes of Health webpage at nih.gov.
