Dietary supplements are an array of products designed to supplement and maximize the health benefits of eating healthfully, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs or botanicals and amino acids.
As the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate supplements as strictly as pharmaceutical drugs do, supplements can make various claims on their packaging that have evidence supporting them – for instance: calcium strengthens bones or fiber supports regularity.
Vitamins
Vitamins play a number of functions within the body and are an integral component of overall good health. Dietary supplements come in the form of tablets, capsules, gummies and drinks which typically contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or botanicals and amino acids – they’re available over-the-counter without regulation and should only be taken on advice of a healthcare professional.
Water-soluble vitamins such as B and C vitamins do not accumulate in our bodies and must be consumed on an ongoing basis; any excess is excreted through urine. Fat-soluble vitamins (including A, D, E and K ) however may be stored by liver fat and body lipid.
Minerals
Minerals are essential substances needed for normal metabolism, growth, development and cell function regulation. Working alongside enzymes and co-factors, minerals fulfill many critical roles within the body.
Minerals are naturally occurring homogenous solids with highly ordered internal atomic arrangements and regular geometric forms, often defined by chemical formulae.
Minerals can be found in many foods and beverages. Most people get enough of the essential minerals through diet alone; however, additional supplementation might provide additional amounts.
Fish oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for optimal brain, eye, and immune health. Furthermore, its reduced cholesterol levels offer additional health advantages.
Taken at high doses, fish oil may cause heart rhythm issues for those with implanted defibrillators. Furthermore, taking large quantities may increase cancer risks for people with certain conditions like polyposis or HIV/AIDS.
A great way to access omega-3s is through eating two servings of fatty fish each week or taking an omega-3-rich prescription drug called Icosapent ethyl (Lovaza). Together with a statin medication, this combination can significantly lower cardiovascular risks.
Herbs
Herbs are the leafy green parts of plants, while spices typically consist of dried plant parts like seeds (cumin), roots (turmeric), barks (cinnamon) or even berries (peppercorns).
Herbal products may help prevent and treat illnesses, but they could interfere with medications prescribed to you and cause side effects.
Memorial Sloan Kettering provides a database with information about herbs, vitamins, and supplements available for purchase that helps users determine if a product will deliver on its promises and whether there may be interactions with cancer medicines. This resource can be utilized by both patients, their loved ones, healthcare professionals and community members – it can even be found online! You can access it directly via our website.
Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria used to promote intestinal health. Their beneficial effects can be achieved both nonspecifically and through strain-specific mechanisms.
Studies have demonstrated that probiotics, specifically from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, may help people living with IBS manage symptoms more effectively. Additional research should focus on which species prove most helpful when treating this disorder.
When purchasing a probiotic, pay attention to its colony forming units (CFU). Select one with clinically tested in humans and avoid products requiring refrigeration or extra heat or moisture; additionally opt for products with guarantees until expiry.
Magnesium
Magnesium works at work in your body to support over 300 chemical processes that aid protein synthesis, blood pressure regulation, nerve function and bone health.
Magnesium may help lower the risk of migraine headaches and improve sleep in those suffering from alcohol use disorder, but magnesium injection does not appear to prevent chest pain caused by blood vessel spasms (vasospastic angina).
Magnesium supplements in high doses may cause stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting; additionally they can decrease how well digoxin (Lanoxin) is absorbed into your system. Always consult with a healthcare provider prior to supplementation with magnesium; in many cases obtaining enough through food may suffice.
