What is a “Dietary Supplement”?
The term “Dietary Supplement” was first defined by the US Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 and started to be used in the literature accordingly. DSEHA defines a dietary supplement as a product intended for ingestion (oral intake) that contains more than one dietary ingredient intended to supplement the diet.
In the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Supplementary Foods, Dietary Supplement is defined as “products with determined daily intake dose made of nutritional elements such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, fatty acids, amino acids in order to supplement normal nutrition, or other substances of plant, vegetable and animal origin, bioactive substances and similar substances that have nutritional or physiological effects, the concentrates or extracts alone or in mixtures of which are prepared in capsule, tablet, pastil, disposable powder, liquid ampul, dropper bottle, and other similar liquid or powder forms.1
Based on the definition of dietary supplements and considering their physiological effects on different metabolic processes, the decision regarding their use should be made carefully and justified by increased physiological demands or inadequate nutrient intake from dietary sources.2
Why is Food Supplement Used?
A study reported that dietary supplements are used for purposes such as providing health support and completing nutritional deficiencies. Short-term use of supplements is recommended when food intake is limited or deficiencies are diagnosed in the body. 3
DSHEA categorizes food supplements under the general name “nutrient” rather than drugs. In addition, it is stated that dietary supplements are used for cosmetic purposes or for purposes such as providing a balanced diet, strengthening the immune system, and curing some diseases.3
It is against the law to present “dietary supplements” as if they are products for weight loss, weight gain, height increase, enhancing performance, or quitting smoking.
It is reported that the most used supplement group in our country consists of vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes. 3
How should the dose be determined?
For example, consuming nutritional components such as vitamins and minerals is very important. It has been reported that excessive intake of such nutritional components through food supplements causes side effects. Consumers should use the dietary supplements with the instructions of healthcare professionals; it is believed that these products, which are not used in appropriate doses, may have negative effects on health.
Vitamins, minerals, and their forms that can be used are specified in the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Supplementary Foods. In the regulation, the daily maximum limits of vitamins and minerals used in dietary supplements are specified. 3
Who Can Use “Dietary Supplements”?
Despite eating a healthy and balanced diet, there are certain population groups or individuals who need advice about supplements, such as women of childbearing age and people taking special medications.
The sale of supplements is not subject to prescription. It does not have to be sold in pharmacies. Consumers can procure and use from anywhere at their own will. Therefore, pursuant to the relevant legislation, dietary supplements cannot be produced for infants, kids, and children under4. However, there is no limitation in recommending (and prescribing) the use of dietary supplements by physicians for children under4. The physician can determine the dose for the relevant age group and recommend the food supplement to children under4, and can also write a prescription.
Can We Use Supplements With Other Medications?
It should be decided by the specialist physician that patients should use such products together with their current medications or alone, and their effects and side effects should be followed accordingly. It should be remembered that the positive effect of a substance in one person may be seen as a side effect in another. Especially in patients who use other chemical medicines; it is absolutely necessary to consult with specialist physicians before using these products. 5
How Do I Know if the Supplement I have Purchased is Approved?
The list of dietary supplements approved by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock, the food entities that produce, process, and import these supplements, and the domain name and URL address(es) of the approved dietary supplements are published and updated on the Ministry’s website. Consumers can access information about dietary supplements from the system mentioned above.
