According to a recently released study by the Centers for Disease Control, the use of supplements, including vitamins, herbs, minerals and combinations is up substantially with over half of the adults in the United States taking at least one such supplement on a daily basis. The supplement industry as a whole has now grown to an over $27 billion grossing mega-industry according to Consumer Reports, leading many to believe that Americans should be at their peak health standings. But, as the CDC points out, there are many ways that supplements of any kind fall flat and may even backfire by making existing conditions worse or by creating new ones.

The Food and Drug administration works to keep foods and drugs safe for the consumers that use them, however, the rules that are used to govern supplements are far different and there are no universal standards for each of these products. Also, because they are not sold by prescription or because they are considered herbal medications, many people do not tell their doctors that they are taking them which can have serious risks, especially if the doctor is prescribing a medication for a specific condition.

Over sixty percent of women age 60 or older take calcium supplements while just under 60% of women in the same age category also take a Vitamin D supplement. Both calcium and Vitamin D are used to protect menopausal women from bone loss caused by osteoporosis, however, new studies are showing that these very supplements, particularly calcium is being linked to increased heart disease, including heart attack in women in that age group.

While the experts all agree that most vitamins and minerals are best attained from a healthy, varied diet, particularly one that is high in fruits and vegetables, there are some nutrients that are just difficult to get at the right levels purely from food. One example is folic acid which is necessary to prevent birth defects in the fetuses of pregnant mothers. Most doctors suggest that young women of child bearing age, particularly those who are already pregnant or trying to become pregnant take a folic acid supplement to ensure that they are at the optimal level.

Another supplement that has become very popular in recent years is fish oil. Fish oil supplement capsule sales skyrocketed after news of tainted fish became common knowledge. For many who just cannot take the taste of fish as well as those who are medically restricted from eating it, the supplement is the key to getting the benefits without also having to deal with the associated risks.

But, both the CDC and the FDA warn that not all supplements are what they claim to be so it is up to the consumer to beware. Know what you are taking and what ingredients are used before taking any supplement and always tell your doctor everything that you are taking on a regular basis, including all herbal preparations of any form.