In this insightful video, Robert Bonakdar, MD, a member of the Division of Integrative Medicine at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, explores the complexities and benefits of dietary supplements. Dr. Bonakdar covers the historical use of natural products in medicine, the current landscape of supplement usage in America, and the challenges posed by minimal regulation.
He provides practical advice on how to choose safe and effective supplements, the importance of discussing supplementation with healthcare providers, and strategies for optimizing daily supplement use. Viewers will gain a introductory understanding of the role supplements can play in health and wellness and how to integrate them thoughtfully into their healthcare routines.
Quick insights
- A Stepwise approach to supplement use: Dr. Bonakdar promotes a careful, evidence-based approach to supplements, stressing the importance of evaluating each product for its actual benefits, potential interactions, and alignment with personal health needs before beginning use.
- Common misconceptions and gaps in communication: many patients see supplements as inherently safe due to their “natural” label, often avoiding discussion with healthcare providers. This lack of communication can be risky, especially given the 90,000+ supplements on the market, each with varied ingredients and possible side effects.
- Regulation challenges: dietary supplements are not FDA-regulated like prescription drugs, leaving quality control largely to the manufacturers. Dr. Bonakdar emphasizes checking for third-party verification labels, such as USP or NSF, to ensure higher production standards.
- The role of diet as primary therapy: supplements should complement—not replace—a healthy diet. Dr. Bonakdar notes that a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains generally reduces the need for supplements, as most nutrient requirements are best met through whole foods.
- Patient education on supplement safety and effectiveness: Dr. Bonakdar encourages patients to assess their specific needs, look beyond testimonials, and use reliable resources (like the Office of Dietary Supplements) to make informed decisions. This proactive approach, combined with open discussions with healthcare providers, can help patients make safer, more effective supplement choices.
Featured expert: Robert Bonakdar, MD
Robert Bonakdar, MD, is a prominent figure in the field of integrative medicine, currently serving as a member of the Division of Integrative Medicine at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in La Jolla, CA. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine and his undergraduate degree in psychobiology from Occidental College in Los Angeles. Dr. Bonakdar is a recipient of the prestigious Richter Fellowship for Independent International Research, which allowed him to study Southeast Asian health practices in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and Indonesia.
Dr. Bonakdar has conducted award-winning research in herbal and natural medicines, and has presented his findings at numerous conferences. He is the co-editor of the “Textbook of Integrative Pain Management” (Oxford University Press, 2016) and the author of “The H.E.R.B.A.L. Guide: Dietary Supplement Resources for the Clinician” (Lippincott, 2010).
Video highlights
00:00 – Introduction
Dr. Bonakdar shares his journey into the world of dietary supplements and his role in educating clinicians and patients about making informed choices. He emphasizes that while natural products hold great promise, their regulation and safety must be carefully considered.
01:52 – The promise and problem of supplements
Dr. Bonakdar discusses how natural products have been used historically for treating various conditions but cautions that many supplements on the market today make exaggerated claims. He warns against products that promise miraculous cures without substantial evidence.
05:23 – How supplements are used and regulated
Dr. Bonakdar delves into the current landscape of dietary supplements in America. With over 90,000 products available and $30 billion spent annually, Americans are relying heavily on these products. He emphasizes the need for better regulation and more informed consumer choices.
12:40 – The dialogue between patients and healthcare providers
A key point in the presentation is the lack of discussion around supplements during patient check-ups. Dr. Bonakdar highlights that supplements are often underreported, with only 25-33% of them making it into medical records. He explains why it’s critical to have an open conversation with your healthcare team about the supplements you are taking.
20:31 – How to choose safe and effective supplements
Dr. Bonakdar provides a framework for evaluating supplements:
- Do Your Homework: Investigate the supplement’s evidence and how it aligns with your health goals.
- Consult Your Doctor: Supplements can interact with medications or fortified foods you’re already consuming. Always discuss them with a healthcare professional.
27:07 – Case example: optimizing care with the HERBAL mnemonic
Dr. Bonakdar walks through a case study of a 53-year-old patient to illustrate how supplement care can be optimized. He introduces the HERBAL Mnemonic as a tool for enhancing the doctor-patient conversation about supplements:
- Hear the patient’s concerns.
- Educate and evaluate the supplement.
- Record it in medical charts.
- Be aware of potential interactions.
- Agree on a course of action.
- Learn from the outcomes.
39:00 – What to consider in your own supplementation plan
Dr. Bonakdar offers practical advice on how to evaluate your need for supplements:
- How is your diet? Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- What supplements are you considering? Do your research on the products that align with your needs.
- Have you discussed them with your healthcare team? Open communication with your doctor is vital for safe and effective supplement use.
Resources
- The H.E.R.B.A.L. Guide: Dietary Supplement Resources for the Clinician by Dr. Robert Bonakdar
- Drugs.com – Prescription Drug Information
- WebMD’s Comprehensive Database for Vitamins and Supplements
- Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) – NIH
- USP Verification & NSF Certification
- My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record – PDFfiller
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References
- Fraser, G. E., Jaceldo-Siegl, K., Orlich, M. J., Mashchak, A. D., Sirirat, R., & Knutsen, S. F. (2020). Dairy foods, calcium intakes, and risk of incident prostate cancer in Adventist Health Study-2. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 112(5), 1345–1352. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa273
- Zhao, Z. F., Zhou, D. D., Gao, S. R., & Yao, Y. X. (2021). The association between dairy products consumption and prostate cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114521000466