Many people around the world utilize health supplements to promote good health. These come in many forms such as tablets, capsules and energy drinks and more.
The most prevalent reason to take supplements is to improve or maintain general health; however, these reasons can differ based on age and gender.
They are a source of vitamins and minerals
Health supplements provide essential vitamins and minerals that can enhance energy, mental clarity, and mood. Furthermore, they may assist in treating certain medical conditions or helping manage symptoms; however they should never replace eating healthily as supplements may interact with prescription medications and cause side effects.
When purchasing health supplements, make sure that you purchase from a reputable brand and read and understand their labels carefully in order to avoid taking large doses of certain nutrients; too much fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic while water-soluble ones could interfere with prescription drugs.
Vitamins and minerals are vitally important to body functioning properly. While food provides these essential vitamins and minerals in greater quantity than supplements can, food provides additional ingredients which work together while supplements will only contain one vitamin or mineral at a time.
They are not a substitute for a healthy diet
Dietary supplements are an increasingly popular way to boost nutrition and enhance health. Available as pills, capsules, powders or liquids and with ingredients including vitamins (including multivitamins), minerals, herbs or botanicals, amino acids and live microbials – not forgetting fiber and nutrients like chromium magnesium calcium as part of their formulae – supplements have become part of daily health routines in recent years. They’re listed on product labels according to Recommended Daily Intake guidelines (RDI).
Studies conducted through observation suggest that those taking dietary supplements tend to experience lower rates of heart disease and other health conditions; however, their exact cause remains unknown. It’s important to remember that supplements should not replace eating a nutritious diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and grains; nor have they been proven effective against disease; in fact taking too many may even lead to harmful consequences; thus it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional prior to starting any new supplement regimens.
They are not regulated by the FDA
Ought to health supplements be subject to FDA pre-approval? Nope; nevertheless they’re still governed by this agency. Their market is monitored, with resources directed toward products which pose public health threats; inspections are performed of manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with law; they also regulate claims made by sellers that their supplement will cure certain diseases.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded this issue, as some businesses take advantage of its spread by illegally selling supplements claiming to prevent or cure COVID-19. Such supplements may contain potency medicinal ingredients which could cause side effects. Furthermore, some may make false promises such as reducing stress levels or improving mental clarity – all reasons to avoid street vendors that sell such products; instead purchase your health supplements from reputable sellers only.
They are not regulated by HSA
Health supplements are an umbrella term for various products used to promote a healthier lifestyle and enhance overall wellbeing. While supplements may supplement your diet, they do not treat or alleviate symptoms associated with medical diseases and conditions and come in various dosage forms like tablets, capsules or soft gels.
People using HSA funds for personal care and wellness expenses must be wary of certain companies that make false claims regarding “letters of medical necessity”, purporting to convert non-medical expenses such as nutrition or fitness equipment into qualified medical expenses (QMEs).
Scientific investigations of health supplements typically begin with observational studies, in which researchers compare the health status of people taking one type of supplement versus those who do not. But observational studies cannot fully control for diet or other factors that could alter results, so most supplements undergo rigorous clinical trials where volunteers are randomly selected either to receive either the real supplement or an inactive placebo pill.
