What is the difference between a drug and a Dietary Supplement?
To Go or Not to Go Herbal, that is the Question…
Many people nowadays are turning to “organics” and “naturals” otherwise known as
herbals. The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if
not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some
things you need to know about this mean, “green” dietary supplementing machine. What is the difference between a drug and a dietary supplement? According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in different
countries, drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other
effects of a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments
and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body.
These drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug
given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is indicated
for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of
anemia.
Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The
main difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims unlike in
the case of drugs. Moreover, dietary supplements could either contain vitamins,
minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet of
an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to any
food or medicine.
Most of the manufactured medicines we now have once came from animals and
plants. Through the years, chemists isolated the life-saving or life-curing
components and separated them from the harmful ones. This lead to the further
drug research and drug development that lead to the production of a different
variety of drugs for many ailments and conditions from synthetic sources. But
still we have semi-synthetic drugs, as well as drug that more or less
approximate more natural composition. Since herbal supplements are made from a
mixture of crude herbs reduced into powder or gel form, and later on packaged as
tablets and capsules, there is a possibility that life-threatening or at least
body chemistry-altering components are still present, thus the expression of
concern from the medical community.
Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?
Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or
organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to
endanger lives. If that’s the case, then why are herbal supplements given drug
administration approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people is to
have all candidate drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements registered with
the proper authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things
being sold in the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and
safety of herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the food and
drug administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the proper complaints
in the event a worsening of health condition is proven to be linked to the use
of a particular herbal supplement.
Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?
Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements
experienced an improvement in their health—whether this is due to the herbals
themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the
condition of an individual, then using them is worth the risk. But of course,
certain things must be considered before taking those herbal supplements:
Your doctor knows best.
First of all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a
particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with
heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take
these, or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All
substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered
respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled
out from the Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets because it contains
substances that cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for
losing weight, contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase
heart rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in
several documented cases by the American Medical Association.
Follow the directions for use.
Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as
instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components
of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in
a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So,
do not even think about downing one bottle of
It has no approved curative effect.
No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about how
it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these herbal
supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the medications
prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the
maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol, and
fight off infections.
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