The following information is for information and guideline purposes only - it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice from your general practitioner and you should always consult with them before starting any dietary/ health supplement. 

 

Before starting a dietary/ health supplement that you have never tried before, you should always research its ingredients and properties. Research it thoroughly and consult with your general practitioner.

 

If you are already taking prescription drugs for an illness, or have any known medical condition you must check with your general practitioner before commencing on any dietary/ health supplement regime.

 

Dietary supplements have shown overwhelming evidence that they work. Always read the labels and instructions of newly purchased dietary/ health supplements carefully so you know when and how much exactly to take of the product in question.  Just because a small amount works well does not mean that more is better.  Never exceed the stated recommended dosage of the product in question.

 

As individuals we all have different constitutions, sensitivities, allergic reactions and possible health conditions and thus always be aware of possible interactions and contraindications with prescription medicine your are already taking. This emphasises the need to discuss any dietary/health supplement with your general practitioner before you start taking it.

 

Always discontinue any dietary/ health supplement and get advise from your general practitioner if you experience any negative side effects.

 

In general people in the following categories should avoid taking any dietary supplement:

 

(1) Those persons who are pregnant, breast feeding

(2) Those persons suffering from: high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, glaucoma, diabetes, difficulty in urinating due to prostate enlargement,

(3) Those persons taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you are uncertain whether your prescription drug contains an MAOI, consult your general practitioner before taking the product in question.

(4) Those persons with a history of kidney stones, liver or renal disorders.

(5) Those persons currently taking, or have previously taken, blood thinning agents.

(6) Those persons who suffer from abdominal pain, gastro-intestinal disorders

(7) Those persons who are to undergo elective surgery.

 

Some Frequently Asked Questions:
 

Q. Should I consult with my Doctor before starting a dietary supplement? 

A. Yes you should.

 

Dietary supplements may not be risk-free under certain circumstances. If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or have a chronic medical condition, such as, diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, be sure to consult your general practitioner before purchasing or taking any dietary/ health supplement. While dietary/ health supplements are widely used and generally considered safe,

you should check with your general practitioner before taking these or any other dietary/ health supplements. If you plan to use a dietary/ health supplement in combination with any prescription medicine, then consult with your general practitioner first. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects and their safety is not always assured in all users. If you have certain health conditions and take these products, you may be placing yourself at risk.

Q. Is it safe to take different supplements or other over-the-counter medicines at the same time?

A. No. This is not recommended.

 

Some dietary/ health supplements may interact with any over-the-counter you are already taking.  Taking a combination of dietary/ health supplements or using these products together with prescription medications could under certain circumstances produce adverse effects.