Supplements: Helpful? Harmful? A Waste of Money?

On Health with Houston Methodist

Most American adults take some sort of nutritional supplements, according to recent surveys, often without looping in their doctor. But since the FDA stopped regulating the industry decades ago, consumers don't know whether the supplements they take are beneficial or dangerous — or worth the (often pricey) expenditure. In today's episode, we enlist a primary care physician well versed in the subject to help navigate the terrain.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, Primary Care Physician
Notable topics covered:

• The mind-boggling number of supplements on the market
• What it means that the FDA doesn't regulate supplements
• Websites to visit that certify whether a supplement is safe
• What studies have found about supplements' usefulness
• The debate about supplements among some doctors
• Whether tablets, capsules or gels are better absorbed
• The herbal supplement Dr. Septimus often prescribes

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