Doctor-patient communication about dietary supplements could use a vitamin boost

Vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements are widely available in supermarkets and drug stores across the nation without a prescription, so it’s no surprise that nearly half of all Americans take them.

But they do carry risks, including potentially adverse interactions with prescription drugs, and some people may even use them in place of conventional medications. So it’s important that primary care physicians communicate the pros and cons of supplements with their patients. In fact, both the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health suggest that patients consult with their doctors before starting to take them.

A new UCLA-led study examined the content of doctor