Some nutritional supplements can interact with medications; it is very
important to tell your doctor about any dietary supplements you are
considering taking. Always take supplements according to label directions,
unless otherwise directed by a qualified health care practitioner.
There is little scientific information about the effect of so called
functional foods — foods to which vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other
dietary substances are added — despite their growing popularity in the
marketplace. Examples include calcium fortified orange juice or snacks
containing echinacea.
Some common foods, including nuts, wheat gluten, dairy products, fish,
shrimp, soy, bananas, and eggs, may trigger allergic reactions. Your doctor
can test for such possible allergies if he suspects you have them.