More than 50% of people in the US take dietary supplements to enhance an aspect of their health. Maybe you take supplements on a regular basis…

After all, the American public spends billions and billions of dollars each year on a wide array of pills and powders.

The main issue here, however, is that lot of these supplements are sold with downright deceptive advertising, and in extreme cases, can cause serious health issues.

So here are common misconceptions you need to know about dietary supplements:

1. Dietary supplements are 100% safe: Absolutes don't exist and supplements are no exception here. In fact, just because a supplement is natural is no guarantee that it's completely safe. The reality is that many things exist in nature that are deadly.

2. Dietary supplements are backed by peer reviewed research: Very few supplements actually undergo the rigors of peer reviewed research. In fact, the majority of research you see in the advertisements are fly-by-night studies performed by the companies themselves.

3. Supplement manufacturers are acting in our best interest: The bottom line is that millions and millions of dollars are spent on advertising to get you to buy. And the reality is that when so much money is involved, things can get a little out of control. Ephedra is a perfect example here. So please do not be swayed by the sexy advertising.

4. The placebo effect doesn't exist: The placebo effect is real, very real. So just because someone you know swears by a supplement, doesn't mean that it's safe. Simply taking a sugar pill can make 40% of a group feel an improvement. Now 40% is a huge number. This makes sense, however, since our minds have such great control over our bodies.

I recommend staying on the safe side here. And the best way to do this is to only take supplements that have undergone peer reviewed research. You see, peer reviewed research is the closest we can get to the truth. And with the truth you will be better informed as to what decisions are right for your health.

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