If you are suffering from a specific condition or ailment, the doctor may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. You might have also come across supplements from brands like Integrative Therapeutics in Supplement First, which claims that they help prevent and treat certain conditions.
But what’s the difference between prescription medication and supplements? We tackle the differences and when it’s best to take them.
What is Prescription Medication?
Prescription medication is drugs or medication requiring a prescription from your doctor before a pharmacist can dispense it. Such medications would have a regular schedule that you must follow.
Prescription medication intends to target a specific illness or body part in pain. The goal is to provide a cure to one’s condition or maintain and improve the body’s current condition.
Prescription drugs and medications were tested by the FDA and passed clinical trials before being released to the public.
What are Supplements?
On the other hand, supplements contain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. These would intend to supplement your dietary needs, either enhancing or improving your diet to reinforce nutrient supplies to the body. These can come in different forms, such as capsules, concentrates, extracts, liquids, powders, and tablets, which you can find from stores like supplementfirst.com.
Compared to prescription medication, supplements don’t necessarily require a prescription from doctors. You can find it in supermarkets or online stores like supplementfirst.com. Furthermore, you can purchase them without a prescription.
Supplements are not medicines and don’t give absolute cures to diseases and illnesses. As the name suggests, we take these to supplement our daily need for nutrients. They are good for our body by boosting our vitamin and mineral intake, especially if we are deficient in specific nutrients.
When Do You Need Prescription Medication and Supplements?
For medication purposes, you should not consider supplements as medication. If your doctor prescribes medication, then you should adhere to it. Your doctor will take the diligent steps to examine, evaluate, then diagnose your health condition, and any medication signed off is recommended to treat or maintain your health condition.
Supplements are only optional and recommended if you have a nutrient deficiency from your current diet or condition. While you can buy it without a prescription, it’s advised to ask your doctor about the supplements you plan to take before buying and consuming any. Your doctor will evaluate your current diet and determine what supplements you might need and how much of it is recommended daily.
But if you have no nutrient deficiencies and follow a healthy diet, you most likely don’t need supplements. Note that while supplements do have their benefits, not everyone needs them. Furthermore, these vitamins don’t have to be tested for safety and are usually self-regulated by the manufacturer, so you need to choose your supplement brand and conduct research wisely.
Wrapping It Up
As mentioned, it’s important to take the medication when your health professional prescribes it. If you plan on taking supplements as well, do talk with your doctor before doing so.