Dietary Supplement Use in the United States

Course overview

Dietary supplements are commonly used by patients nationwide and sold in almost every community pharmacy today. In fact, one in 10 people use 5 of more dietary supplements daily. Dietary reference intakes have been established for key vitamins and nutrients, but supplements are actually regulated as foods by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Commonly used supplements include: multi-vitamins, calcium, fish oil, and vitamin D, to name a few. Unfortunately, there have been recent scandals involving the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements in the United States. Therefore, it is imperative that clinicians have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to provide recommendations and education regarding their appropriate use and safety concerns.