Thinking About Taking a Supplement?

By Andrea Holwegner, Health Stand Nutrition Consulting Inc.

If you are considering taking a herbal or dietary supplement, here are some questions you should ask yourself. If you answer NO to any of these questions you should reconsider taking the supplement.

Question	YES	NO
I am in a life stage that is safe to consider taking a supplement: (i.e. I am NOT pregnant, breast-feeding, or attempting to conceive a child and I am NOT an infant or child) or I have discussed with my physician/dietitian the safety of taking the supplement
My physician/dietitian is aware that I am thinking of taking this supplement.
I have realistic expectations about the supplement and realize it will not be a miraculous cure-all
I am purchasing a product that lists: · The scientific name and quantity of any botanical · The name and address of the manufacturer · A batch or lot number · The date of manufacture and the expiration date
I am purchasing the product from reliable producers that advertise quality assurance and standardized products
I have researched the scientific effects of the supplement from a reliable, non-biased source and believe it could be effective for me for my health and/or medical issue
I have researched the medical side effects of the supplement from a reliable, non-biased source and believe I could safely take the supplement
I do not take prescription medication or I have discussed with my pharmacist/physician/dietitian the effect of taking the supplement on my prescription medication and/or other supplements I may be taking
The financial costs of taking the supplement are reasonable for me
I am NOT an athlete that is tested for drugs and /or banned substances or I am an athlete that is confident there are no banned substances present and/or contaminated in my supplement