It is essential for individuals to inform their doctors and medical team about any supplement regimen they are taking. This is because certain supplements may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. In the United States, dietary supplements are widely available and can be purchased without a prescription, and people often do not tell their healthcare providers about them. When visiting a doctor, it is important to make a list of all vitamins and supplements taken, and to only start taking new vitamins or supplements on the recommendation of a healthcare provider.
Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential risks of taking very high doses of supplements, or overdosing on them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80 percent of women and 67 percent of men aged 60 and older have consumed dietary supplements in the past 30 days, with more than a third of people in the same age group consuming three or more different supplements. It is also important to consider the costs and regulations associated with supplements, as these can influence a person's decision to take them.
