Dietary supplements are products containing essential nutrients (like vitamins or minerals ) in concentrated form, sold over-the-counter and not subject to regulation like drugs are.
FDA regulations mandate that manufacturers notify us prior to the introduction of any new supplement, and we review reports of harm or illness potentially related to taking them. Furthermore, FDA also inspects supplement manufacturing firms as well as reviewing any imported ingredients or supplements offered for sale.
Vitamins
Vitamins are vital nutrients that support proper body functioning. You can get them through various food sources as well as from dietary supplements containing vitamins, minerals, herbs or botanicals, amino acids or other substances found in pills, capsules powders drinks or energy bars.
Vitamins are vitally important to our bodies, and taking them according to the instructions can be highly beneficial. However, vitamins should never be seen as a replacement for eating healthily; consult a healthcare professional for further advice about supplement use; they will assist in choosing which ones and in how much amounts to consume.
Minerals
Minerals are solid substances with highly organized atomic structures found naturally. Their formation occurs via natural processes.
Human beings require several minerals in large amounts – calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulphur, sodium and chloride are just a few examples) but we also need trace minerals like iron, iodine zinc copper manganese chromium as part of their daily regiment.
The Institute of Mineralogy and Astrophysics (IMA) defines minerals as naturally occurring, homogeneous solids with specific chemical composition and highly ordered atomic arrangement, such as stable crystal structures with opaque surfaces. Other properties can be used to differentiate minerals, such as cleavage and crystal habit.
Herbs
Herbs are natural food additives that can provide many health advantages to the body. Some herbs have been shown to lower high cholesterol levels while others provide stress relief or work as laxatives.
There are various ways that herbs can enhance your culinary adventures, and you can experiment with various flavors. Try growing them yourself or buying them at a market.
“Herb” can refer to any non-woody plant with culinary, medicinal or spiritual value; annuals to perennials and trees included. But typically it refers to those plants used for culinary, medicinal or spiritual uses.
Fish oil
Fish oil has long been used to safeguard our hearts, reduce triglycerides and ease joint discomfort. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which cannot be produced naturally in our bodies: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), among others found in fatty fish, shellfish, nuts seeds and vegetable oils.
DHA and EPA help support normal brain function, reduce inflammation and assist with memory. They may help relieve symptoms associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as well as enhance early life learning for children. It is best to speak to your healthcare provider prior to taking supplements such as fish oil.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that work to restore or balance the intestinal bacteria balance in humans. You can find probiotics in foods like yogurt, cheese and fermented products such as natto. Furthermore, probiotics may also be taken in supplement form.
These beneficial bacteria play an integral part in maintaining skin, vaginal, and immune health. Probiotics have also been found to reduce inflammation, support hormonal balance and enhance nervous system functioning; clinical trials have indicated probiotics may even help ease depression or anxiety while improving cognitive performance.
Even though research on these supplements is still in its infancy, they have long been used safely by healthy individuals.
Magnesium
Many individuals do not get enough magnesium in their diet. Eating foods rich in magnesium could reduce colon and rectal cancer risks as well as type 2 diabetes in some adults and children, and could possibly even reduce stroke risks in certain adults.
Magnesium from food or supplements could provide some relief for kidney stones and migraine headaches for those not getting enough magnesium in their diet or supplement regimen. Furthermore, increasing magnesium may also help with leg cramp prevention during pregnancy.
Magnesium may help lower blood pressure for some individuals with mild to moderate hypertension. Additionally, magnesium might also be effective at treating an irregular heartbeat known as torsades de pointes. Finally, taking magnesium may also decrease how much of your medication your body absorbs from sulfonylureas, such as Acetominophen (Toloxin), Chlorpropamide (Organoprim) and Gliclazide (Glucotrol).
