Dietary Supplements

Core Resources on Dietary Supplements

Background Information

• Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
  Access detailed information about various supplements and their ingredients. These fact sheets are developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Dietary Supplements.

• Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements
  Explore responses to frequently asked questions to better understand supplement use, safety, and effectiveness.

Specialized Supplement Topics

• Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss
  Learn about the safety and effectiveness of ingredients commonly found in weight-loss supplements.

• Dietary Supplements for Athletes
  Discover whether sports supplements improve performance and understand their potential benefits and risks.

• Herbal Supplements
  Review information on popular herbal products, including their uses, effectiveness, and potential risks.

Safety and Health Guidance

• Safety and Health Claims
  Understand how to read supplement labels, evaluate ingredients, and interpret health claims.

• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
  Learn about essential nutrients needed for optimal body function, along with guidance on safe supplement use.

Educational Resources

• Supplement Your Knowledge: Dietary Supplement Education Initiative
  Access consumer-friendly materials such as fact sheets, infographics, and videos that explain supplement safety and emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers.

Additional Government Resources

• Dietary and Herbal Supplements (FDA)
  Provides guidance on supplement safety, research resources, and clinical trials through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

• MedlinePlus: All Herbs and Supplements
  Browse an alphabetical database of over 100 herbs and supplements—including apple cider vinegar, psyllium, and collagen peptides—offered by the National Library of Medicine.

• Know the Science: Supplement and Medication Interactions
  An interactive tool that helps users understand how supplements may interact with medications and why professional medical advice is essential.

• Operation Supplement Safety
  A Department of Defense initiative designed to support military members, healthcare providers, and DoD personnel with reliable supplement information.

Key Takeaway

These resources are designed to help individuals make informed decisions about dietary supplements by providing trusted information on safety, effectiveness, and proper use. Consulting a healthcare professional before taking supplements is strongly recommended.