Safe Supplementation: Know the Facts

Before you supplement, read this advice.

• Cholesterol
• Vitamins
• High Blood Pressure

Benefits and Risks

According to one definition, the word "supplement" means "something added to complete a thing, to extend or strengthen the whole."

And that's just what supplements are capable of doing -- strengthening your efforts to lower your cholesterol and improve your overall heart health.

Supplements serve different purposes. Some make blood platelets less sticky, reducing your risk of artery-blocking clots; some prevent the oxidation of LDL, making it less likely to lead to plaque; others help minimize certain side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs; still others act as alternatives to prescription drugs. Some supplements won't be right for you. Others will. Supplements can be very beneficial but you must be careful because, like any drug, all supplements pose potential risks. Before you start taking any, check with your doctor first. In addition, keep the following important advice in mind:

"Natural" doesn't mean "safe"
Just because a supplement may be natural doesn't mean taking it is completely without risk. Many, if not all, supplements have the potential to interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs, cause harmful side effects if taken inappropriately, or even make existing medical conditions worse. That's why it's critical that you tell your health care providers about any supplements you take. In a University of Michigan study one-third of the patients taking supplements were using ones that could interact with their heart medications. Be especially cautious if you're taking blood-thinning medication like aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), or Plavix (clopidogrel); many supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, garlic, vitamin E, fish oil, and coenzyme Q10, also have blood-thinning properties, and the combined effect could lead to dangerous bleeding.

Also, just because the label may say "natural" doesn't mean that supplements are any safer than pharmaceutical drugs. They still include chemicals that have an effect on your body; that's why they work. So don't exceed the recommended dose, and don't take any supplement longer than advised. If you are pregnant or nursing, be doubly sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements.

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