Supplements are supposed to be helpful. We’re told from a young age to get our vitamins, take fish oil for our regular omega 3 intake. In fact, 58% of Americans report taking dietary supplements, often motivated by a wish to “improve” or “maintain” health.

But are they all they’re cracked up to be? In this episode we’re going to learn all about the unregulated wild west world of dietary supplements – why Americans are so addicted to them, why this industry is so unregulated, and when these supplements may go from helpful to harmful.

Joshua Sharfstein, MD, is associate dean for public health practice and training at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He is a former deputy commissioner at the FDA.

David S. Seres, MD, is director of medical nutrition and associate professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, where he directs the medical school’s nutrition curriculum.

Looking for more in-depth learning experiences on Anatomy & Physiology or other topics? Sign up for Pearson+ today to explore content from experts like Joan Salge Blake.

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