Dietary supplements need to contain what in order to be considered herbal?
One or more herbs
Which vitamin do you get naturally from the sun?
Vitamin D.
It is common for people to start taking Vitamin D supplements in the winter and not take them in the summer because they get enough natural vitamin D from the sun.
You should talk to your provider or pharmacist before starting any natural supplement.
True
What is a dietary supplement?
Dietary supplements are products used to supplement the diet and may be useful in supporting a disease state or staying healthy.
Which continent is the largest in the world?
Asia
Ginger may help with what?
Nausea and stomach upset.
Melatonin is used for what?
Helps with sleep.
If a supplement is safe that means that it works.
False. It means it will not harm you, but it may not help you.
Herbals and supplements can cause undesirable side effects when taken with what?
Certain medications.
Some herbals and supplements can increase the effects of medications, causing side effects like serotonin syndrome, increased risk of bleeding, or increased risk of liver or kidney damage.
T/F: The Eiffel Tower is taller in the summer.
True - The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer due to thermal expansion, meaning the iron heats up, the particles gain kinetic energy and take up more space.
Lavender and chamomile may help with what?
Anxiety and sleep. Lavender and chamomile can have a calming effect.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids may cause what side effects?
Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, mania, increased risk of bleeding.
You can take as much of an herbal supplement as you want because they are safe.
False. You should only take the amount recommended on the bottle, unless instructed to take differently by a doctor.
What should you look for on the bottle when choosing a dietary supplement?
United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Verification Mark
How much was The Terminator script sold for?
$1 - James Cameron is the award-winning director of movies like Titanic and Avatar. In order to get his big break with The Terminator, he sold the script for $1 and a promise that he’d direct it.
What is valerian said to help?
Insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, and headaches.
Magnesium may be used for what?
Constipation, heartburn, restless legs, and stress/overthinking.
Kava does not cause liver damage.
False. It can cause liver damage if used >8 weeks. (Kava is often used to help with anxiety & insomnia.)
Who can tell you more information about an herbal or supplement?
Doctors, pharmacists, manufacturers, or distributors.
T/F: Bees can fly higher than Mount Everest.
True - Bees can fly higher than 29,525 feet above sea level (according to National Geographic).
St. Johns wort (popular for depression and anxiety) can cause what side effects?
Sun sensitivity, insomnia, anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, stomach symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction. Most notably, serotonin syndrome when taken with an antidepressant medication that works on serotonin.
What are some dosage forms supplements can come in?
tablets, capsules, powders, chewable, liquids
Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA to the same standards as prescription medications.
False. Dietary supplements are regulated as a food product. Manufacturers do not need to prove that the product is effective for the marketed purpose of the supplement.
What does the USP Verified Mark mean and what does it NOT mean?
1. The ingredient amounts listed on the bottle are correct.
2. The supplement was made in good manufacturing conditions.
3. It does NOT mean the product is effective or completely safe for everyone.
T/F: Sloths have more neck bones than giraffes.
True - Despite the difference in neck length, there are more bones in the neck of a sloth than a giraffe. There are 7vertebrae in the neck of a giraffe (and in most mammals) but there are 10 in sloths.