Dietary supplements are substances added to one’s daily diet for various health purposes, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs or any other natural products.
These nutrients can often be found in food sources, including flour and bread enriched with iron or B vitamins; citrus-fruit beverages with vitamin C content; and protein formulas designed to support athletic performance.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in many food sources and available as dietary supplements, and has long been promoted as an aid in treating and preventing various conditions, ranging from the common cold to cancer.
This product contains organic acerola fruit extract and is gluten- and gelatin-free, while being iron-friendly as vitamin C helps the body to absorb plant sources of iron.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential in helping the body to properly metabolize calcium and phosphate, helping prevent nutritional rickets in children and promoting bone health.
People can get Vitamin D naturally by spending limited time outdoors (the sun converts a skin sterol into Vitamin D). Supplements may also contain Vitamin D; serum 25(OH)D levels serve as the main indicator of our Vitamin D status.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in maintaining cell membrane health and have also been linked with decreased cardiovascular disease risk and psychiatric disorders.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained through food sources such as fish, nuts and seeds as well as green leafy vegetables. You may also take omega-3 supplements – just check with your healthcare provider first to determine the appropriateness.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, can be found in many food items including poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas and fortified cereals as well as in supplements.
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a correlation between high consumption and blood levels of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5’phosphate) and reduced colorectal cancer risk; however, only nine controlled trials have assessed its effect on cancer incidence and mortality rates.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is vital in supporting blood cell production and DNA synthesis, making it particularly crucial for people eating plant-based diets, older adults and those suffering from digestive conditions like Crohn’s or celiac disease that result in malabsorption of this vital nutrient.
Vitamin K2 can be found naturally in food products and packaged items as well as taken orally through oral supplements and injections. Furthermore, clinical trials are being conducted using this nutrient to lower colorectal cancer risks.
Calcium
Calcium is a necessary element of healthy bones and teeth. About 99% of our calcium stores can be found in our bones and teeth; it also plays an essential role in blood vessel contraction/expansion, muscle movement, nerve transmissions to glands for hormone release and more.
Calcium supplements are available that provide various levels of calcium. Some supplements also include other vital nutrients like vitamin D and magnesium.
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is one of the most prevalent mineral deficiencies. Magnesium helps with nerve function, bone formation and blood pressure regulation – three essential functions.
High doses of magnesium may cause side effects, including diarrhea. When combined with other medicines – like antacids or penicillamine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Wilson’s disease), consult your healthcare provider first before beginning this supplement regimen. Additionally, long-term oral magnesium supplementation could decrease levothyroxine’s effectiveness as an antithyroid medication.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral and the second most abundant metal found in our bodies. A recent systematic review discovered that supplementing children with zinc could significantly decrease diarrheal illness duration by up to one day.
Zinc helps boost immune function, boost protein synthesis, cell division and growth and regulate taste and smell; in addition to relieving oxidative stress.
Lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant with significant potential in helping prevent cardiovascular diseases and lower cancer risks, particularly prostate cancer.
Fat-soluble nutrients, like zinc, can be better absorbed when eaten with oil. Furthermore, unlike beta-carotene and alpha-carotene carotenoids which convert directly into Vitamin A in our bodies.
Too much lycopene can result in yellow or orange skin tones, but this can be corrected with a diet low in lycopene.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair tree, is an ancient tree with numerous healthful compounds. Both its seeds and leaves have long been utilized as herbal medicines and now standardized leaf extracts (EGb 761) are readily available as dietary supplements worldwide.
Studies demonstrate that Ginkgo biloba can help to decrease inflammation and increase blood flow, possibly relieving symptoms of angina pectoris, improving depression, helping with migraine headaches and even decreasing aura intensity in some individuals.
