Empower Your Health Journey with the NIH’s Guide to Dietary Supplements

Embark on a path to wellness with the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s comprehensive collection of dietary supplement fact sheets. As the leading U.S. medical research agency, the NIH, through its Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), provides both consumers and healthcare professionals with evidence-based information to navigate the world of vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and probiotics.

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements has more than 100 fact sheets available on their website. These fact sheets cover a wide range of dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other products. For more details, you can visit their fact sheets page.

Explore Key Supplements:

  • Vitamins: Discover the benefits and uses of essential vitamins:
    • Vitamin D: Supports bone health and immune function.
    • Vitamin B12: Vital for nerve function and red blood cell production.
    • Vitamin C: Important for immune health and skin integrity.
    • Vitamin A: Crucial for vision, immune function, and reproduction.
    • Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage.
    • Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
  • Minerals: Learn about crucial minerals for overall health:
    • Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.
    • Iron: Necessary for oxygen transport in the blood.
    • Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.
    • Zinc: Important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
    • Potassium: Helps maintain proper heart and muscle function.
    • Selenium: Protects cells from damage and supports thyroid health.
  • Herbs and Botanicals: Understand the traditional and modern uses of these natural supplements:
    • Echinacea: Commonly used to boost the immune system.
    • Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Ginkgo Biloba: Used to support cognitive health.
    • Garlic: Known for its cardiovascular benefits.
    • St. John’s Wort: Often used for its potential antidepressant effects.
    • Ginger: Used for its digestive and anti-nausea properties.
  • Probiotics: Gain insights into the benefits of probiotics for digestive health with the Probiotics fact sheet.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Learn about the benefits of omega-3s for heart health from the Omega-3 Fatty Acids fact sheet.
  • Multivitamins: Understand the role of multivitamins in overall health with the Multivitamin/mineral Supplements fact sheet.
  • Additional Supplements: Explore other supplements such as:
    • Coenzyme Q10: Supports energy production and acts as an antioxidant.
    • Melatonin: Used to regulate sleep patterns.
    • Creatine: Enhances athletic performance and muscle mass.

Comprehensive and Accessible Information

The NIH’s resources are designed for everyone. Fact sheets are available in English and Spanish, and tailored versions are available for consumers and health professionals. Each fact sheet provides a thorough overview of a supplement’s uses, potential benefits, safety considerations, and interactions based on the latest scientific research.

To access this wealth of information, visit the NIH Dietary Supplements page.

Enhance Your Knowledge with Our Past Event

Dietary Supplements – Regulations, Safety, Research, and Effectiveness (June 13, 2024)

For a deeper dive into dietary supplements, check out our past event hosted by the Center for Food as Medicine on June 13, 2024. The event featured experts including Pieter Cohen, MD (Harvard Medical School), Stefan M. Pasiakos, Ph.D. (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements), and Cara Welch, PhD (FDA). It was moderated by Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH. Watch the event on YouTube here.

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