Whether it’s vitamins, minerals, herbs or something else, dietary supplements are wildly popular in the U.S. But they can come with risks that people taking these pills, gummies and powders may not realize. If you’re among the 61% of Americans who take at least one supplement, you should keep a few things in mind — particularly if that supplement is something you purchased online. While many supplements are harmless and some may even be beneficial, these compounds can also interact with prescription medications, a cardiologist warns. Expert tip of the day: Consult a pharmacist before taking a new supplement “If you’re taking a supplement,” Dr. Anum Minhas, a cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins, tells TODAY.com, “I want you to take it to your pharmacist when you pick up your meds, or take it to your provider, and say, ‘Can you look the supplement up and make sure that it’s not interacting with my medication?’” That’s because, in her experience, “a lot of the harm (from supplements) actually comes from medication interactions,” she says, “and it’s not so much that the supplement itself is going to harm you.” mental health Jul 30 The No. 1 sign your stress is turning into a chronic condition, per an internal medicine doctor Diet Exercise Aug 4 How much fiber should you eat daily to prevent constipation? Diet Exercise Jul 26 The ‘superpower' nutrient for the heart you're probably not eating enough Why it matters Especially when it comes to managing complex health issues such as menopause symptoms, Minhas is not a big fan of supplements. “I generally do not actively recommend supplements because (they) do not get FDA approved in the United States, so we we cannot say with absolute certainty what is in them,” explains Minhas, whose research focuses on heart health during pregnancy. Studies have shown that melatonin supplements can contain significantly different amounts of the active ingredient from what’s advertised on the label, for example. It’s also important to remember that, while Minhas suspects many supplements aren’t harmful, often “there aren’t adequate studies to show benefit either,” she explains. Because supplements don’t undergo the FDA approval process that prescription medications do, Minhas says, “they haven’t gone through the same level of scrutiny, like clinical trials.” Of course, there’s a difference between a supplement that’s actively harmful and one that just isn’t effective at what it claims to do. So, if a patient feels like they may get some relief from a supplement, Minhas doesn’t necessarily tell them not to take it. But she’s clear about the lack of evidence to support it and recommends they talk to her or their pharmacist about possible interactions with the prescriptions they are on. For example, St. John’s wort is often advertised to help with certain menopause symptoms, like hot flashes and mood changes, TODAY.com explained previously. But it can interact with many medications, including some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, statins and blood thinners. Choosing safer supplements If you’re considering adding any new supplement to your routine, talk to a medical professional first, experts urge. Minhas also recommends opting for brands that are well-known or found in large pharmacies rather than buying something online or that was promoted by an influencer on social media. “And you should not be taking things where you can’t read the language in which the packaging is written,” she adds, “because then you really don’t know what you’re taking.” This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: Forget 10,000 Steps: A Psychiatrist Says This Simpler Walking Goal Can Boost Mood Here’s How Often To Strength Train To Boost Bone Health, According to an Orthopedic Surgeon This 1 Drink Is More Hydrating Than Water, Dietitian Says ...read more read less