How to read food and dietary supplement labels.

Abstract

From 1990–1997, use of nutritional supplements in the United States increased 130% (Eisenberg et al., 1993, 1998). In 1997, $5.1 billion was spent on supplements in the United States (Eisenberg et al., 1998). Nutritional supplementation has become an important component of many diets because people believe they do not get adequate nutrition from food alone (Murray, 1996). Ideally, nutritional needs should be met via whole foods and supplements should be used only when researched and found to have documented protective effects (“Position of the American Dietetic Association [ADA],” 2001). According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2000), obtaining twothirds of the recommended dietary allowances of nutrients from food sources is adequate nutritional intake for healthy people. However, food sources alone may be inadequate because studies sponsored by the U.S. government have found nutrient deficiencies in about 50% of the U.S. population (FDA, 2000). In fact, 80% of the U.S. population consistently consumes less than the recommended daily allowances (Murray, 1996; National Research Council, 1989). Furthermore, ADA (“Position of ADA,” 2001) and FDA (2000) do not address the unique needs of patients with cancer or other illnesses. Nutritional requirements change over people’s lifespans and increase with the stress of illness and treatment.