Pythia says:

I think you are very wise to avoid taking supplements unless you are sure they are safe, and that they have a decent chance of being effective.

There are a few things you should consider before taking supplements: There was a recent article in U.S. News & World Report about medicines and supplements sold in the United States. The article stated that the active ingredients of all sorts of medicines (prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements) are often manufactured abroad, but the label may not indicate this. Of course the concern is greatest when the components of the item are from China. This is why you need to know your manufacturer. Feel free to call or write to ask them where the components of their supplement come from. Also know your source. Does the store you buy from do its own research and stand behind the products it sells? Don’t buy based on price alone. Sometimes the very same supplement is sold under different labels and there is no difference except for the markup. Other times, it’s the distributor’s guarantee that you are paying for. That guarantee may be worth the difference in price.

It is a good idea to check with mainstream newsletters on the safety of supplements. I really like to see what the Linus Pauling Institute recommends, and also to consult other sources such as Berkeley Wellness Letter, Harvard Health Letter, and Andrew Weil. LPI’s newsletter is free, and they only ask for a charitable contribution once in a while (not obtrusively, either).

Good luck, and let us know what you decide. This may turn out to be an excellent supplement.