Supplements come in pill, gummy or liquid form and contain vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids – commonly referred to as dietary supplements – which may help supplement a balanced diet. But experts advise consuming them only as necessary.
Food supplements cannot claim to prevent, treat or cure disease. Carefully read labels before making decisions based on them. Speak with healthcare providers prior to taking supplements.
Vitamins
Vitamins are versatile substances with numerous functions, from supporting immune system defense and wound healing, to turning food into energy and making you more energetic. Vitamin supplements are often referred to as micronutrients.
Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are stored in liver fat, while water-soluble ones (vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid biotin vitamin B6 folate or folic acid) don’t get stored and instead leave your system through urine.
Vitamins in excessive doses may be harmful. For instance, Vitamin C at very high concentrations may cause diarrhea and interfere with medical tests by raising blood sugar too rapidly.
Most nutrition experts advise obtaining nutrients through foods rather than supplements; when purchasing one, look for one which has been third-party tested to ensure its purity and potency.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic solid substances formed geologically that have crystalline structures and contain one or more chemical elements; they may consist of only one element, but typically consist of multiples; for instance table salt is one such mineral and halite is another (also referred to as rock salt).
As with vitamins, minerals are vitally important for overall wellness. They play an integral part in strengthening and flexible bones; helping regulate blood pressure and muscle contraction; supporting immune health.
Most people get enough minerals from food sources alone, though those at greater risk for not receiving enough may benefit from taking supplements. A naturopathic doctor, registered dietician or integrative medicine doctor are excellent resources for information regarding daily mineral requirements and should be contacted.
Herbs
Herbs are an effective way to add flavour and color to food without adding excess fat and salt, not to mention being an invaluable source of vitamins and minerals.
Herbal remedies may provide an effective means of relieving symptoms associated with various conditions. Some herbs (like gymnema sylvestre) come in tea, extract and tablet form and may help manage symptoms such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Other parts of the plant used as spices include barks (cinnamon), seeds (turmeric), berries, roots (ginger) and flowers (saffron). Herbs add delicate flavors that should only be added at the end of cooking or just prior to serving, though they are an excellent source of phenolic compounds thought to have antioxidant properties.
Amino acids
Protein is an integral component of any balanced diet, yet few understand its functions or benefits for their bodies. So what exactly is protein and why does your body need it?
Amino acids are organic compounds found within proteins and play numerous essential roles within our bodies. Some essential amino acids must come from outside sources if produced within aren’t present – these are known as essential amino acids.
Lysine, for instance, is an essential amino acid for building muscle, initiating chemical reactions in the body and transporting nutrients. Furthermore, it helps prevent scurvy while simultaneously decreasing stress and depression levels, increasing fertility and strengthening immunity.
Isoleucine, another branched-chain amino acid, is widely utilized by athletes and bodybuilders to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and enhance endurance, regulate blood sugar levels and stimulate hormone production.
Other nutrients
Other nutritional supplements that can be helpful include antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids (like Omega 3) and phytochemicals. Unfortunately, many nutritional supplements contain banned substances or may have biomedical side effects; one example being Ma Huang which contains prohormones and ergogenic compounds which could cause cardiovascular issues (hypertrophy of heart muscle), changes to lipid metabolism as well as endocrine issues including reduced sperm production/masculinization for men or reduced ovarian function/irregular menstrual cycles for women.
People usually get all of their nutrition through eating healthily; however, those with special medical conditions, digestive issues or food restrictions may require supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids or other nutritional components in order to supplement their intake.
