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• Reduce the risk of chronic diseases: Some dietary supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
• Improve athletic performance: Some dietary supplements, such as creatine and protein powder, can help to improve athletic performance.

Who needs dietary supplements?

Not everyone needs dietary supplements. Most people can get all the nutrients they need from a healthy diet. However, some people may benefit from taking dietary supplements, including:

• Older adults: Older adults may be at risk for nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D deficiency. Dietary supplements can help to ensure that older adults are getting enough of the nutrients they need.
• People with chronic health conditions: People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, may need to take dietary supplements to manage their condition.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women need extra nutrients, such as folic acid and iron. Dietary supplements can help to ensure that they are getting enough of these nutrients.
• Athletes: Athletes may need to take dietary supplements to improve their performance and recover from workouts.

Arguments against the use of dietary supplements:

• Potential side effects: Dietary supplements can have side effects, especially when taken in high doses. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
• Interactions with medications: Dietary supplements can interact with medications, making them less effective or causing side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements if you are taking any medications.
• Lack of regulation: Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs. This means that the purity, safety, and effectiveness of dietary supplements are not guaranteed.
• Cost: Dietary supplements can be expensive.

Why current regulations governing the sale of dietary supplements in this country make their use a bit risky:

The current regulations governing the sale of dietary supplements in the United States are relatively lax. This means that companies can sell dietary supplements without having to prove that they are safe or effective. Additionally, companies are not required to list all of the ingredients in their dietary supplements. This makes it difficult for consumers to know what they are taking and whether it is safe.

To reduce the risk of taking dietary supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications. It is also important to choose dietary supplements from reputable companies and to read the label carefully to make sure that you are getting the ingredients and doses that you need.

Here are some additional tips for choosing and using dietary supplements safely:

• Only buy dietary supplements from reputable companies.
• Read the label carefully to make sure that you are getting the ingredients and doses that you need.
• Be aware of the potential side effects of dietary supplements, especially if you are taking high doses.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications.