We live in a fast paced world. We eat on the go and think on the fly because we may not have time to do these things any other way. Likewise, we often neglect our health simply because we are too busy. Marketers have capitalized by creating products that promote fast fixes for the wear and tear we inflict on our bodies. But sometimes the aspiration for a quick answer can be more harmful than helpful. Take for instance the issue of supplements. There are thousands of products on the market. Some promise bigger muscles, stronger immune systems, even thinner bodies. But before you try the rapid results bottle labels promise, you should consider the consequences.

There are only four main claims on labels that can be legally linked to products: folate's link to preventing neural tube defects, calcium's link to preventing osteoporosis, fiber's link to preventing cardio vascular disease and sugar's link to promoting dental problems. For instance, a supplement is not allowed to say that it "prevents weight gain" or "improves ligament resistance." But the supplement market is still loaded with these specious assertions.

Watch out for misleading claims supplement products may promote. Terms like "all natural," "new and improved" and "fast acting" are used by companies to lure customers to their products. These are vague terms and often times pose no actual merit to the product. Ask yourself what was added to the supplement to make it better. Chances are the label may not say. In addition, claims advocating benefits may not actually deliver them.

Take the term "all natural." Just because something comes from nature doesn't mean that it's good for you.

Also, watch out for the term "secret formula." This guarantees that the product will do you virtually no good. Ask yourself why is this formula "secret?" Don't you think if it really performed "miracles" the medical community would be prescribing it? Be cautious about any product that infers that if you take it you will be in an "elite" group of people.

Another term to watch out for is "high potency." Remember, more is not always better. Even certain vitamins can be toxic at extremely high doses. Be especially weary if you are taking diet pills. Many of these pills contain harmful levels of stimulants like ephedra or caffeine.

Supplements, unlike the medicine your doctor prescribes, aren't strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unfortunately, the market has become so flooded with these products that the FDA doesn't have the resources to check the validity of all products. Usually, harmful supplements on the market only become investigated if they get a certain number of people complaining of illness or death from the product. After investigating certain supplements it has been determined they may not even contain the ingredients claimed on the label.

What is even scarier is that the creators of these supplements aren't required to have a degree in a science or health based field. You wouldn't trust a salesman to put new brake pads on your car, why would you trust them with your body's safety?

Remember that overall I am not talking about dietary supplements like multi-vitamins or calcium supplements, but rather the majority of products you'd find in a supplement store or a magazine advertisement. These supplements rely on ploys to attract potential customers. So next time you enter a health food store and see walls of supplements, ask yourself if a pill will really tone your thighs and pecs.