Research shows that certain supplements may help ease symptoms of conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

Before taking any supplements, discuss the idea with your doctor and follow these important tips.

1. Start with a healthy diet. Even if you use a research-backed supplement, a healthy eating plan with plenty of produce, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats is important because it supplies a wide variety of important nutrients. “A regular, balanced, healthy diet with plenty of colorful produce is best,” says Rodolfo Savica, MD, PhD, FAAN, associate professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
   
   
2. Steer clear of products that sound too good to be true. The US Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission recently sent warning letters to several supplement sellers for “false or unsubstantial” claims that their products treat or cure Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions.
   
   
3. Tell your doctor what you’re taking. Too often, “patients may not feel the need to disclose over-the-counter medications unless they’re directly asked about them,” says Anne Cross, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology and section head of the neuroimmunology department at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. But it’s important to let your doctor know since supplements may interfere or interact with medication, skew test results, cause harm, or simply be ineffective.
   
   
4. Choose supplements verified by the US Pharmacopeia. These products have been independently tested for ingredient levels, purity, and ability to break down in the body for proper absorption. “A USP-verified supplement may cost a little more, but it tells you your supplement comes from a reputable source,” Dr. Cross says.