Nutritional supplements may cause unintended side effects on athletes, including injury and illness. Unfortunately, unlike drugs, dietary supplements are unregulated by the FDA except when adulterated or misbranded products have already been made available on the market.
Supplements fall under the category of dietary aids and can take many forms such as tablets, capsules, gel caps, liquids, bars and gummies. They contain minerals, vitamins and amino acids for optimal performance.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic substances that perform various important functions within the body. These include supporting healthy cells and tissue maintenance as well as helping build immunity. Vitamin-rich foods may be consumed daily to reap their benefits or can also be taken in supplement form for maximum effectiveness.
Some vitamins are fat-soluble, such as A, D and E; these vitamins are stored in liver tissue for long-term storage purposes. Water-soluble vitamins like the B-complex and vitamin C require shorter storage times – it would only take weeks or months without adequate vitamin C consumption for someone to develop scurvy!
An eating plan consisting of nutritious food from different sources is key to good health. Fortified foods and dietary supplements may be required if certain nutrients are not being consumed enough – pregnant women needing extra folic acid supplements; others with food allergies or intolerances also requiring supplementation with extra vitamins; however, taking too many may be harmful, so always check the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) on any label prior to taking supplements.
Minerals
Minerals are elements found on earth that our bodies need for development and functioning normally, unlike vitamins which our bodies produce naturally. Instead, minerals must be obtained through diet or supplements. Examples include potassium, chlorine, sodium, calcium, phosphorus magnesium iron zinc copper iodine chromium selenium.
Magnesium can be found in many foods and dietary supplements, as well as cut into gemstones (rhodochrosite). Magnesium has numerous health benefits for our bodies including aiding muscle and nerve function and managing blood sugar and pressure levels.
Magnesium is essential to our bodies for creating and maintaining bones, muscles, blood, DNA and energy production. It helps the heart and kidneys function more effectively as well as providing energy boosts and supporting normal concentration thanks to hemoglobin which transports oxygen around our bodies. Plus it plays an integral part in strengthening immunity – as well as being found in various food sources or easily supplemented through creams/sprays/bath flakes!
Herbs
Herbs can add tremendous nutritional value to a nutritious diet. Not only are they delicious and visually stunning additions, they’re an easy way to reduce salt and added sugar consumption as well as boost digestive health and reduce stress levels.
Herbal products come in many different forms, including pills, powders, teas and extracts. It is important to read label information as certain herbs or supplements may have different ingredients or strengths than advertised.
Herbs can be an effective tool in returning the digestive system to normal functioning. They may help soothe gut linings, increase or decrease nutrient absorption, stimulate enzyme secretion or flow, tone digestive tract or loosen and bulk stool. Studies have demonstrated that certain herbs such as triphala can significantly increase Acidaminococcus and Sutterella bacteria populations and decrease Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella pneumoniae populations compared with similar control treatments.
Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are food products which have been found to offer health benefits, whether through individual nutrients such as Vitamin C or multi-mineral and vitamin supplements that contain them both; or more specialized therapies like glucosamine/chondroitin treatments and herbs like Boswellia. Supplements don’t undergo the same level of testing as medications do and therefore may contain contaminants or have variable effectiveness levels.
Dietary supplements are taken orally to add nutritional value to one’s diet. They come in various forms such as tablets, capsules, gel caps, powders and bars and may include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids or other ingredients.
While the FDA does not directly approve dietary supplements, it plays an active role in their regulation. This includes periodically inspecting manufacturing facilities; verifying product labels include non-drug claims (i.e. that they treat, diagnose, cure or prevent diseases); reviewing advertising for these supplements and more.
