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Boggio Family of Pharmacies

“Boggios: A healthy choice for your whole life”

April 22, 2011 Vitamins Supplements and Herbals

Contrary to popular belief there really is no magic pill.  Many people come in search of the right vitamin, or supplement, hoping it will help them sleep better, feel better, or perform better.  Unfortunately there really aren’t any magic supplements that can cure all that ails you.  Even prescription medications are limited.  They can lower your blood pressure or your cholesterol but no pill is going to fix everything.

People want to take herbals because they feel a natural product is “safer” for them.  This is not necessarily true.  Whether you are taking a prescription medication or a natural product you are putting a chemical in your body which can alter your body’s chemistry.  As such you are subject to the effects of the medication either good or bad.

Pharmacists are not against herbal products.  Many of them have evidence to show they can provide some benefit.  However, not all herbals and natural products have undergone standardized testing to ensure that they only contain what’s on the label.   It has even been shown that some products contain very little of the ingredient they are being sold for.  As a consumer it is important you educate yourself regarding which manufacturers have their products tested, and which companies conduct clinical trials to ensure their products are safe and effective.  Some companies now have an NPN number on their products.  This number serves as notice that their products have been tested and contain what is claimed on the label.

As far as supplements are concerned the best thing to do is follow the Canada Food Guide.  A well balanced diet can provide you with all of the vitamins and nutrition you require.  The few supplements that may be worthwhile to purchase are Calcium and Vitamin D.  Even with a well balanced diet most people do not get enough of these.  Recent studies show that almost everyone has a vitamin D deficiency.  New evidence shows that vitamin D is important for bone health as well as preventing some cancers.  It is also important to make sure you are getting enough Omega 3’s (DHA and EPA).  These supplements are linked to both heart and brain health.  Again, they are deficient in most people’s diets.

If you are interested in taking a supplement or vitamin consult your doctor or pharmacist.  Many times you don’t need to spend the extra money.  If you would like to take an herbal product do as much research on the company as possible.  Ask your pharmacist about safety and reliability.  Herbals can interact with your prescription medications and cause liver and kidney toxicity.  For exampleSt. John’sWart can affect the birth control pill, and melatonin can increase blood pressure.  Many herbals can also interact with warfarin, and could be dangerous for some people to take.

It can be confusing with media and advertising if you should be taking a supplement or herbal product, please come and talk to a pharmacist if you have questions about these types of products.