Journal reading
The safety of commonly used vitamins and minerals
Dietary supplements are the most common type of complementary medicine in Australia, reportedly used by 47% of the population. Vitamins and minerals are particularly popular.
Like all medicines, supplements can cause potential harms such as adverse reactions, drug interactions, monetary cost, delay of more effective therapy, false hope, and increased medication burden.
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Cost: free
Although most vitamins and minerals are available for open sale, many are subject to legal restrictions as scheduled medicines, depending on the dose.
Consumers are at risk of overdose when the same ingredient is present in multiple products.
Health professionals can assist consumers by discussing the potential benefits and harms of vitamins and minerals and assisting them to find authoritative information.
Adverse events with vitamins and minerals should be reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Geraldine Moses Aust Prescr 2021;44:119-23
Accreditation
This activity should take around 1 hour to complete. It can be included in a pharmacist’s CPD plan for either one Group 1 credit or, on successful completion of the assessment activity, two Group 2 credits. Pharmacists should self-record this activity.
About
This CPD activity should take around 1 hour to complete. It can be included in a pharmacist’s CPD plan for either one Group 1 credit or, on successful completion of the assessment activity, two Group 2 credits. Pharmacists should self-record this activity.
To complete this activity, you should first read the article then complete the quiz.
After you submit the answers to the questions, you will be able to download a certificate of completion as proof of your participation.
Please note that the assessment may only be attempted twice.
Learning objectives
- Recognise that dietary supplements can cause adverse events.
- Apply knowledge of the adverse effects of vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent harm.
Pharmacy competency standards
3.2 Implement the medication management strategy or plan.
3.3 Monitor and evaluate medication management.
3.5 Support Quality Use of Medicines.
3.6 Promote health and well-being.