Dietary supplements, whether in pill, gel cap or powder form, are nutritious products used to promote overall wellness and increase wellness. Dietary supplements typically contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals or amino acids – essential elements to promote optimal health.
Supplements may provide relief for some, especially older adults, those with poor appetites and pregnant women. Discuss with your health care provider which supplements could be most helpful to you.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic substances that play an essential role in maintaining body functions. Though only small quantities are necessary, vitamins can come from both plants and animals sources and there are thirteen recognized vitamins which have either fat-soluble or water-soluble forms.
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K can be stored for long periods in liver fat or body fat reserves. In contrast, water-soluble vitamins such as B-complex and vitamin C don’t get stored within the body but instead enter bloodstream where any excess is discarded via urine; so regular consumption must occur to avoid deficiencies.
Before adding supplements to your diet, consult with a healthcare professional first. Supplements aren’t regulated like drugs and could contain ingredients that could pose potential dangers, particularly if taken with certain medications or have health conditions. Furthermore, it’s essential that you understand exactly how much each vitamin your body requires for optimal functioning.
Minerals
Minerals are natural substances found within Earth that possess certain physical characteristics. Minerals must be geologically formed and have an identifiable chemical formula (for instance halite or rock salt). Furthermore, their characteristics should include having solidified at standard temperatures and pressures – these criteria cannot be fulfilled by gases or liquids that aren’t minerals! Finally, minerals cannot be made by living organisms.
Mineralogists find the crystalline structures of minerals easily distinguishable, which allows for easy identification. Some have clear, transparent appearance while others can appear opaque; their cleavage (how it breaks) and symmetry help identify them easily as well. Minerals can be divided into two groups – macrominerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur and potassium are needed in large amounts while trace minerals, such as iron zinc fluoride selenium copper are required only in smaller amounts daily by our bodies.
Herbs
Herbs are plants used to add flavour and aroma to food. Additionally, herbs can also be used as medicine; many varieties offer multiple health benefits, including reducing cholesterol, aiding digestion and stimulating bowels.
Many herbs are perennials, meaning they return year after year; others, however, only live through one growing season before needing replacing. Either way, these plants can be enjoyed either fresh, dried, or frozen for use in cooking or medicinal uses.
Herbs contain bioactive chemicals known as phytochemicals. These include terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds – these can include terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds – that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or antimicrobial effects; for instance stinging nettle can improve urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia while thyme can boost immunity against infection while chamomile may soothe stomach issues. Herbs contain vitamins and minerals which may help reduce heart disease risk as well as protect against dementia and cancer – further increasing their potential health benefits further.
Other Supplements
Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and other ingredients that can be added to food or drinks to meet nutrient needs when your diet alone cannot. According to Codex Alimentarius these may help ensure good health (or not).
Though supplements can be beneficial, they shouldn’t be seen as replacements for eating healthily and following a balanced diet. When supplementation is used as part of a healthy lifestyle, always consult a registered dietician or doctor first before beginning.
Dietary supplements in the US are regulated differently from drugs; they don’t need to go through extensive safety testing like medicines do, yet manufacturers must produce high-quality products. Labels must include the Supplement Facts panel that lists every nutrient contained within. Furthermore, FDA monitors dietary supplement sales to prevent unsafe products from reaching market. Other countries regulate these supplements differently; Australia requires approval by Therapeutic Goods Administration before selling.
