Quiz: Choosing and Using Dietary Supplements

Americans spend billions of dollars each year on vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Dietary supplements can help with good nutrition. But many people take them without knowing enough to make sure they get the best results. Find out how much you know about dietary supplements by taking this quiz.

1. Eating a variety of foods each day can give you many of the vitamins and minerals you need for good health.
2. A supplement can better protect you against cancer than eating foods with the same nutrients.
3. You should always buy a name-brand supplement.
4. Natural supplements are better than manmade supplements.
5. Check the expiration date before buying a supplement.
6. Choose a supplement with the USP or NSF symbol on the label. Or choose products that have passed ConsumerLab testing.
7. Choose a vitamin-mineral product with no more than 100% of the Daily Value of each nutrient. Take no more than the recommended dose.
8. Vegetarians who eat no animal products may need additional vitamin B-12 and other nutrients.
9. It's safe to take a dietary supplement without your healthcare provider's approval.
10. Most adults can get all the calcium they need in their diet to prevent osteoporosis.
11. Check with your healthcare provider before taking vitamins or supplements if you have a chronic or serious health problem.
12. Store supplements out of the reach of children.
Online Medical Reviewer: Dansinger, Michael MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Poulson, Brittany, MDA RDN CD CDE
Online Medical Reviewer: Wojcik, Stacey, MBS, BSN, RN
Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2023
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