Most neighbourhoods in Amman have a pharmacy within a short walk, and the person behind the counter can give you years of training for free. Yet many of us simply ask for a product by name and leave. Next time, bring your questions and a list of what you already take, which is also what the US Food and Drug Administration recommends for every health care visit.
Before you choose
Start by asking whether you need the product at all.
- Question 1: Do I actually need this, based on my diet and health? Your pharmacist may suggest speaking to a doctor about a blood test first.
- Question 2: What does the research say about this ingredient, and how strong is it? A good answer may be that the evidence is limited.
- Question 3: Is this product registered with the JFDA, and do you know where it comes from? A reliable source matters as much as the ingredient.
Safety and interactions
This is where a pharmacist becomes truly valuable. Tell them about every prescription, over-the-counter medicine and herbal product you use. The FDA gives concrete examples of why: St John's wort can make medicines for HIV, heart disease, depression and organ transplants less effective, and vitamin E or ginkgo taken with blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin may raise the risk of internal bleeding. Some supplements also interact with the medicines used around surgery, and the FDA notes you may be asked to stop them two or three weeks beforehand.
- Question 4: Does this interact with any medicine I take? Ask especially if you use blood thinners, antidepressants, heart medicines or transplant drugs.
- Question 5: Is it suitable for my situation? Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or planned surgery.
- Question 6: Am I doubling up? Multivitamins, fortified foods and specialised products can contain the same nutrients, and MedlinePlus advises never taking more than the label recommends.
Using it properly
The practical details can make a real difference to your experience.
- Question 7: How and when should I take it, and for how long? Ask about food, timing relative to your medicines, and whether it is meant for a limited period.
- Question 8: What side effects should I look out for, and when should I stop and see a doctor? Ask too about storing it in the heat.
Getting a useful answer
A short conversation works better if you prepare a little:
- Mention your age and any allergies
- Say what is bothering you, not just a product name
- Go at a quieter hour if possible, not during the evening rush
- Ask for a private word if the topic is sensitive
What the research and regulators say
The FDA states that it does not approve supplements before sale, that a label statement about how an ingredient supports the body must carry a disclaimer that the FDA has not evaluated it, and that consumers should talk with a doctor or pharmacist first because of possible interactions. MedlinePlus, the US National Library of Medicine's consumer service, adds that supplements do not go through the testing that drugs do, and that natural does not always mean safe. None of this means supplements are useless. It means the person at the counter is a better guide than the packaging.
When the pharmacist is not enough
Unexplained tiredness, weight changes, persistent pain, bleeding or a symptom that keeps returning all need a doctor. Supplements can hide or delay a problem, so do not use them to postpone a visit. Food, sleep, movement and medical care remain the base; any supplement is an optional extra.
Sources
- Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health · US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements · US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Dietary Supplements · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
This article is general health information for educational purposes and is not medical advice. It does not promote any product. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition or take medication.