Dietary supplements are governed by the same division of the FDA that regulates food - that means that supplements are not regulated in the same way as medication. In fact, supplements do not require FDA approval before they are sold (unless the supplement in question is a new dietary ingredient, in which case there is a review process).
It's up to you, then, to do your homework to find supplements that will deliver the benefits you seek. Some pointers to help you do just that:
- Stick to known, big-name brands. For example, I like GNC and Nature's Made products. You can also find interesting research online - ConsumerLab.com, for example, is an independent Web site that reviews a wide range of supplements to determine whether they contain their stated amounts of active ingredients.
- Look for products that are made or sold in Germany, which has much stricter standards for vitamins and supplements than the United States.
- Some supplements need to come in certain forms to ensure proper absorption. Coenzyme Q10, for example, needs to be in gel cap form.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, consider them in your purchase. Some supplements contain yeast, gluten, shellfish, and even sugar and salt - all of which should be listed on the label's ingredient list.
- My favorite source for vitamin information is Dr. Andrew Weil, who has a blog here.
- Finally, remember that "natural" isn't necessarily synonymous with "safe." It's always a good idea to discuss supplements you're considering with your doctor - particularly if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or undergoing treatment for a chronic health condition. And always follow dosing instructions carefully. Stay tuned to learn more about what supplements are good for your skin.
Wishing you great skin!
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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.
All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.
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