Supplement FAQs
1. Who can prescribe supplements?
Supplements are over-the-counter products, meaning they aren’t prescribed in the traditional medical sense. Technically, anyone could “recommend” that you purchase a supplement. However, it’s important to exercise caution on whose advice you take when purchasing supplements, as taking the wrong supplement or concentration could have negative side effects or interactions with medications.
2. Can supplements have side effects?
Yes, supplements can have side effects or medication interactions depending on the supplement and concentration. Your provider should confirm any medications you’re taking before recommending a supplement, but you can also always ask about potential interactions or negative side effects. If you experience side effects, contact your provider or (if necessary) emergency services.
3. How are supplements regulated?
Unlike prescription medication, which requires FDA clearance before being released on the market, supplements are only regulated once they hit the market. Supplements must be accurately labeled with the correct ingredients and concentrations, and companies cannot advertise them as treatments for specific diseases or conditions.
4. How long should I take a supplement if I don’t see a change?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, since it depends on the type of supplement, form it comes in, and condition it’s treating. You can ask always ask your provider how soon you should start seeing changes, and follow up with them if you’re not seeing results in the timeframe they shared.
5. Does my provider benefit from prescribing me supplements?
Some providers benefit from prescriptions, either through affiliate links with existing supplement companies or by running their own supplement brand. That said, it’s considered unethical in the medical community for providers to recommend supplements for financial gain. If you’re concerned that your provider might be recommending unnecessary supplements for their personal benefit.
6. I’m worried that my provider is prescribing too many supplements. What should I do?
Just like in Western medicine, overprescription of supplements can be a problem with some holistic providers. Overprescribing can be expensive & lead to side effects.
If you think your provider might be overprescribing, there are a couple things you can do:
Address it with them directly. Face the issue head on and talk to them about why they’re prescribing these supplements. If you aren’t sure how to start, check out our blog post for key questions to ask your provider about their supplement prescriptions.
Get a second opinion. A second opinion can help confirm, or reject, your provider’s diagnoses and prescriptions. Even having another provider compare your lab results with your supplement prescriptions can be a good gut check for your treatment plan.
Monitor your progress. Keep tabs on how new supplements affect your symptoms. If you aren’t seeing a positive change in the timeframe outlined by your provider, follow up with them to see if you should continue taking them.
Follow your gut. At the end of the day, you know what’s best for your body. If you have a bad feeling about your provider’s prescriptions, that could be a sign to switch to another practitioner.