For many consumers, taking one or more dietary supple-ments is a natural addition to a healthy lifestyle. The decision to take a dietary supplement may be based on the recommendation of a doctor, a dietitian, or a friend. Television, newspapers, magazines, websites, and persuasive marketing materials in the pharmacy or supermarket may sway buyers. Information regarding dietary supplements abounds but can be misleading or contradictory. "Understanding Dietary Supplements" is a guide to making informed choices. Chapters provide Both an overview and detailed information about key supplements Coverage of a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, herbs and botanicals, drugs, and other options Jargon-free explanations of how each supplement can work on the body Safety concerns about interactions and misuse Regulations imposed on the industry and recent trends in the industry's development A glossary and listings of outside resources Included here, the full text of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994--the model for the FDA's regulation of dietary supplements--affords guidance to deciphering labels and determining value. "Understanding Dietary Supplements" is an easy-to-use guide to a much demanded but often misunderstood group of products. Jenna Hollenstein is clinical editor at the Pri-Med Institute of M]C Communications in Boston, Massachusetts. Her work has been published in "Nutrition Reviews," "Nutrition in Clinical Care," "ILSI News," "Pri-Med in Practice," and "Pri-Med Online."