Walk down the health aisle of any pharmacy or grocery store and shelves are packed with supplements promising everything from better sleep and stronger immunity to constipation relief and diabetes control.
With so many options, it's easy to wonder: Is it effective? And is it safe?
The Food and Drug Administration defines dietary supplements as products that include dietary ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and enzymes. These are often sold as pills, liquids, powders, gummies and more.
Doing the homework before adding a supplement to a daily routine takes a little extra time, but could prevent a variety of health issues.
Here are five things to consider:
Supplements aren't regulated like medications
Assuming that if a supplement is sold in a store, it must be