Professional Documents
Culture Documents
College of Nursing
S/Y 2019-2020
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II. INTRODUCTION
Having a good and proper nutrition is one of the most important necessities of an
individual, in order to grow and facilitate activities of daily living. The foods that we eat everyday
contain the nutrients that are essential in our body. Basically, these nutrients serve as the fuel to
power our bodies and enabled it to function. However, most of us have different routines that we
follow. Some of us may need to have a greater amount of energy. Usually, our diets aren’t enough
to satisfy the nutritional demands of our body. In such case, one may benefit from taking dietary
supplements. These are products that is being added to a regular diet with the purpose of meeting
an individual’s dietary requirements, which are based on age, gender, physical activity and health
concerns. The primary goal of this module is to provide the readers with in-depth information
related to dietary supplements, as well as to have full grasps about the topic through the
discussion and set of activities specified along with this module. This would come up with a
framework for evaluating dietary supplement safety and protecting the health of consumers.
Having enough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter will bring about substantial
Learning Objectives:
would cater the needs of learner, and at the same time to raised sense and insight about dietary
supplements. This includes the concepts and discussion, self-evaluation test, and learning
activities that will help you in every part of the development of knowledge. This was designed for
you to follow a step by step learning process in which you will have to answer the test provided,
for you to have better understanding of the topic. This is to evaluate how much you have learned
and what areas of the learning process still needs improvement. Most importantly, I look forward
that you will appreciate reading this module and gain something from it.
IV. PRE-TEST
4. What is the federal agency that oversees both supplements and medications?
5. Who is the one responsible in having evidence that dietary supplements are safe?
6. What is the act that amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
7. What is dietary supplement that is being used in conditions related to heard and
blood system?
9. What is the dietary supplement which is known in digesting food naturally and
10. Aside from ascorbic acid, what other form does Vitamin C dietary supplement
V. DISCUSSION OF TOPICS
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are also
referred to as food supplements. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose,
mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. They include such ingredients as vitamins, minerals, herbs,
amino acids, and enzymes. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets,
capsules, gummies, and powders, as well as drinks and energy bars. They contain one or more
dietary ingredients (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids; and
other substances) or their constituents. Some popular supplements include vitamins D and B12;
minerals like calcium and iron; herbs such as echinacea and garlic; and products like glucosamine,
probiotics, and fish oils. A doctor’s prescription is not needed to buy dietary supplements.
It is an act to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish standards
with respect to dietary supplements, and for other purposes. Under this act, the manufacturers
and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing
products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for
evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all
the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations. FDA is responsible for taking action against any
adulterated or misbranded dietary supplement product after it reaches the market. It is the one
that manage both finished dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
The FDA is the federal agency that oversees both supplements and medicines, but
the FDA regulations for dietary supplements are different from those for prescription or over-the-
counter medicines. Medicines must be approved by the FDA before they can be sold or marketed.
Supplements do not require this approval. Supplement companies are responsible for having
evidence that their products are safe, and the label claims are truthful and not misleading.
However, as long as the product does not contain a “new dietary ingredient” the company does
not have to provide this safety evidence to the FDA before the product is marketed.
identity, purity, strength, and composition of their products. If the FDA finds a dietary supplement
to be unsafe, it may remove the product from the marketplace or ask the manufacturer to
Fish oil can be obtained from eating fish or by taking supplements. Fish that are
especially rich in the beneficial oils known as omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel,
herring, tuna, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, and seal blubber. Two of the most
important omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Women sometimes take fish oil to prevent painful
periods; breast pain; and complications associated with pregnancy such as miscarriage
pressure late in pregnancy, early delivery, slow infant growth, and to promote infant
development.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Side effects of omega-3 supplements are usually mild. They include unpleasant
taste, bad breath, bad-smelling sweat, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms such
as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. Omega-3 supplements may interact with drugs
that affect blood clotting. If you’re allergic to fish or shellfish, consult your health care
2. GARLIC
Garlic is an herb that is grown around the world. It is related to onion, leeks,
and chives. It is thought that garlic is native to Siberia, but spread to other parts of the
world over 5000 years ago. Currently, garlic is used as a dietary supplement for many
purposes in many conditions related to the heart and blood system. These conditions
include high blood pressure, low blood pressure, high cholesterol, inherited high
cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack, reduced blood flow due to narrowed
arteries, and "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis). Garlic has been tried for
diabetes, osteoarthritis, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), traveler's diarrhea, high blood
pressure late in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia), yeast infection, flu, and swine flu.
The side effects associated to garlic include bad breath and body odor,
heartburn, and upset stomach. These side effects can be more noticeable with raw
3. GINSENG
Ginseng is among the leading dietary supplements and functional foods that
immunity against cancer, bacterial and viral infections and autoimmune diseases.
Ginsenosides and polysaccharides are among the important constituent of ginseng that
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
has immune boosting properties. Standardized product of ginseng with proper dosage
The most common side effects of ginseng are headaches, sleep problems, and
digestive problems. Some evidence suggests that ginseng might affect blood sugar and
blood pressure. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, consult your health care
4. GREEN TEA
food naturally and may aid in weight loss. Along with other innumerable health benefits,
green tea has gradually become one of the most preferred everyday detox beverages.
Current uses of green tea as a beverage or dietary supplement also include improving
Too much caffeine can make people feel jittery and shaky; interfere with sleep;
5. ECHINACEA
Echinacea is used as a dietary supplement for the common cold and other
infections, based on the idea that it might stimulate the immune system to more
effectively fight infection. Echinacea preparations have been used topically (applied to
the skin) for wounds and skin problems. For most people, short-term oral (by mouth)
The most common side effects of echinacea are digestive tract symptoms, such
as nausea or stomach pain. Some people have allergic reactions to echinacea, which
may be severe.
6. GINGER
foods, beverages, soaps, and cosmetics. Today, ginger is used as a dietary supplement
generally safe. In some people, ginger can have mild side effects such as abdominal
Some experts recommend that people with gallstone disease use caution with
7. PEPPERMINT OIL
The herb peppermint, a natural cross between two types of mint (water mint
and spearmint), grows throughout Europe and North America. Both peppermint leaves
and the essential oil from peppermint have been used for health purposes. Today,
peppermint is used as a dietary supplement for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), other
digestive problems, the common cold, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil
is also used topically (applied to the skin) for headache, muscle aches, itching, and
other problems. Peppermint leaf is available in teas, capsules, and as a liquid extract.
capsules.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. If enteric-
coated peppermint oil capsules are taken at the same time as antacids, the coating can
8. CALCIUM
varies by product. Dietary supplements that contain only calcium or calcium with other
nutrients such as vitamin D are also available. The two main forms of calcium dietary
absorbed best when taken with food. Calcium citrate, a more expensive form of the
low levels of stomach acid (a condition more common in people older than 50) absorb
calcium citrate more easily than calcium carbonate. Other forms of calcium in
9. VITAMIN C
foods. Most multivitamins have vitamin C. Vitamin C is also available alone as a dietary
supplements is usually in the form of ascorbic acid, but some supplements have other
forms, such as sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, other mineral ascorbates, and
ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids. Research has not shown that any form of vitamin C is
Taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
In people with a condition called hemochromatosis, which causes the body to store too
much iron, high doses of vitamin C could worsen iron overload and damage body
tissues.
St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow flowers that has been used in traditional
European medicine as far back as the ancient Greeks. The name St. John’s wort
apparently refers to John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast
of St. John the Baptist in late June. Currently, St. John’s wort is most often used as a
dietary supplement for depression. People also use it as a dietary supplement for other
(ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Taking St. John’s wort with certain
cells, may lead to increased serotonin-related side effects, which may be potentially
serious. It may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include
dysfunction.
11. GINKGO
It is one of the oldest living tree species in the world, has a long history in
traditional Chinese medicine. Today, the extract from ginkgo leaves is used as a dietary
claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries), tinnitus, and other health
problems. Ginkgo is made into tablets, capsules, extracts, tea, and cosmetics.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, stomach upset, and allergic skin
reactions. If you’re older, have a known bleeding risk, or are pregnant you should be
12. TURMERIC
respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others. Turmeric
dietary supplements are made from the dried rhizome and typically contain a mixture
of curcuminoids.
Turmeric may be unsafe for use during pregnancy in amounts greater than
those commonly found in food. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use turmeric
13. VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is a nutrient found in some foods that is needed for health and to
maintain strong bones. It does so by helping the body absorb calcium (one of bone’s
main building blocks) from food and supplements. Vitamin D is found in supplements
Too much Vitamin D can result to toxicity. Signs include, nausea, vomiting, poor
appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss. And by raising blood levels of
calcium, too much vitamin D can cause confusion, disorientation, and problems with
14. IRON
Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body
uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the
lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to
muscles. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones. Iron is available in many
supplements is often in the form of ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferric citrate, or
ferric sulfate.
Iron can be harmful if you get too much. In healthy people, taking high doses
constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fainting. High doses of iron can
also decrease zinc absorption. Extremely high doses of iron (in the hundreds or
thousands of mg) can cause organ failure, coma, convulsions, and death. Child-proof
packaging and warning labels on iron supplements have greatly reduced the number
15. GLUCOSAMINE
glucosamine might damage the kidneys. It also might affect the way your body handles
sugar, especially if you have diabetes or other blood sugar problems, such as insulin
Some supplements can help assure that you get enough of the vital substances the
body needs to function; others may help reduce the risk of disease. But supplements should not
replace complete meals which are necessary for a healthful diet – so, be sure you eat a variety
of foods as well. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects
in the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations and hurt or complicate your health.
For example, the following actions could lead to harmful – even life-threatening – consequences.
• Combining supplements
• Some supplements can also have unwanted effects before, during, and after
Some dietary supplements may harm you if you have a particular medical condition
or risk factor or are taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications. For example, the
herbal supplement St. John’s wort makes many medications less effective. Many dietary
supplements (and some prescription drugs) come from natural sources, but “natural” does not
Dietary supplements have become very popular in recent years as consumers have
become more interested in leading healthier lives. Looking for certified supplements takes the
guesswork out of choosing a safe product that contains only what’s on the label. These tips can
help you make a more educated choice and find the supplement that’s right for you.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Do’s
negative effects on recovery from surgery. So, before you head over to the
supplement aisle, make sure to consult with your physician so you can
understand which supplements are best suited for you and your health.
International, can help bring you peace of mind about the safety of the
supplement.
facts panel, listing serving size, amount and active ingredients; other
always better. If a manufacturer says to take two capsules per day, that's all
you should take. If you take multiple supplements, check to see if you are
getting the same ingredient from multiple sources to make sure you don't
Don’t
✓ Don’t purchase supplements with expiration dates close to the date of purchase
Though the FDA does not require supplements to have expiration dates,
manufacturers that can support the date claim with data add it to their products
them worthless.
Supplements are not a quick fix for an unhealthy lifestyle or a way to solve
staying healthy.
After the discussion, the learner is expected to answer a crossword puzzle. This will
help in improving the learner’s vocabulary, as well as improves mental health. This activity also
aims to evaluate how much the learner gained during the discussion.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Across
3. Ginsenosides and polysaccharides are among the important
constituent of this dietary supplement,
8. Products that are intended to supplement the diet.
9. It is also known as Omega-3 fatty acid.
Down
1. It is widely used as a flavoring or fragrance in foods.
2. It is the more expensive form of calcium supplement.
4. Dietary supplement for the common cold.
5. It is known to digest food naturally and may aid in weight loss.
6. The act that amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
establish standards with respect to dietary supplements
7. Structural component of cartilage.
10. A dietary supplement often known as a form of ferrous sulfate.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
VII. SUMMARY
▪ Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are also referred
to as food supplements.
▪ Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and
▪ Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) is an act to amend the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish standards with respect to dietary
▪ FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering
▪ The FDA is the federal agency that oversees both supplements and medicines, but the
FDA regulations for dietary supplements are different from those for prescription or over-
the-counter medicines.
▪ Supplements do not require approval from FDA for it to be sold in the market.
▪ Manufacturers must follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure the identity,
o GARLIC
o GINSENG
o GREEN TEA
o ECHINACEA
o GINGER
o PEPPERMINT OIL
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
o CALCIUM
o VITAMIN C
o GINKGO
o TURMERIC
o VITAMIN D
o IRON
o GLUCOSAMINE
▪ Some supplements can help assure that you get enough of the vital substances the body
needs to function; others may help reduce the risk of disease. But supplements should
not replace complete meals which are necessary for a healthful diet.
▪ Some dietary supplements may harm you if you have a particular medical condition or risk
o Don’t purchase supplements with expiration dates close to the date of purchase
Fish Oil
Garlic
Ginseng
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Green Tea
Echinacea
Ginger
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Peppermint Oil
Calcium
Vitamin C
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Ginkgo
Turmeric
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Vitamin D
Iron
Glucosamine
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Now that you have completed this module, you can assess how well you have
learned the topic by answering the questions below. Read the questions carefully
and encircle the letter of your answer.
X. REFERENCES:
• National Institute of Health. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets (July 11, 2019). Retrieved
July 8, 2020 from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/#
• JAMA Internal Medicine. Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements: What Do I Need to
Know? (December 1, 2018) Retrieved July 8, 2020 from https://jamanetwork.com/
journals/ jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2720139
• The National Academics of Sciences Engineering Medicine. Dietary Supplement: A
Framework for Evaluating Safety (2005) Retrieved July 9, 2020 from https://www.nap.
edu/read/10882/chapter/3
• VeryWellFit. Introduction to Dietary Supplement Use (2020) Retrieved July 9, 2020 from
https://www.verywellfit.com/introduction-to-dietary-supplement-use-88292
• U.S Food and Drug Administration. What You Need to Know about Dietary Supplements
(2017) Retrieved July 9, 2020 from https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-
food/what-you-need-know-about-dietarysupplements#:~:text=
Dietary%20supplements%20 include%20such% 20 ingre-dients,
gelcaps%2C%20powders%2C%20and%20liquids.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Healthy or Unhealthy Substance?
Note:
* Answer for the questions in the Learning Activities:
ACROSS
3. Ginseng
8. Dietary Supplement
9. Fish Oil
DOWN
1. Ginger
2. Citrate
4. Echinacea
5. Green Tea
6. DSHEA
7. Glucosamine
10. Iron
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. C
5. A
6. D
7. A
8. B
9. C
10. C
11. B
12. C
13. C
14. A
15. C