Many Americans - millions, in fact - take various dietary supplements that claim to help improve health. People at risk for heart disease may be taking various vitamins and herbs to help reduce their risk. Although many of these compounds have not been scientifically proved to fulfill the promises they make, still the growth in their use shows that Americans are taking them in increasing numbers.

An analysis of multiple national opinion surveys found that "a substantial percentage" of those questioned regularly take dietary supplements as a part of their routine health regimen. However, they reported that they don't tell their doctors about it. The reasons for keeping this information from their doctors is related to their belief that doctors don't know very much about such products and may be biased against them.

Experts strongly advise anyone who is under a doctor's care for any disorder, particularly chronic diseases such as heart disease, to tell their doctor and pharmacist about all medications and supplements they are taking. The information can help the healthcare provider in prescribing other medications, changing doses, reducing side effects, and avoiding potentially dangerous interactions.

The survey also found broad support for regulation of dietary supplements by the federal Food and Drug Administration in these areas: safety of new supplements, authority to remove unsafe products from sale, and ensuring the truth of advertising claims about their health benefits.

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