Dietary supplements, defined in a law passed by Congress in 1994, may contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or a combination of these items. Dietary supplements can interact with prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, so talk to your doctor if you are considering taking dietary supplements, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

• Dietary supplements are products (other than tobacco) intended to supplement the diet that contain one or more of the following: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, or any combination of these ingredients.
   
• Dietary supplements are intended to be taken in tablet, capsule, powder, softgel, gelcap, or liquid form.
   
• Dietary supplements are not represented for use as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal.
   
• Dietary supplements are labeled as being a "dietary supplement."
   

• Dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs -- there could be quality issues in the manufacturing process.
   
• Dietary supplements can interact with prescribed or over-the-counter medicines and other supplements.
   
• "Natural" does not necessarily mean "effective" or "safe."
   
• Check with your healthcare provider before starting a dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, or before giving a dietary supplement to a child.