Supplement products consist of vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts and other substances taken orally to meet one’s nutritional needs. While supplements may help some individuals, they should never replace eating a healthy diet.
Even though supplements aren’t strictly regulated by the FDA like medications are, the agency still monitors product claims to ensure they’re truthful and not misleading.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients that play an integral part in cell, tissue, bone and tooth development and maintenance. Dietitians advise getting vitamins through healthy eating habits; however, some individuals may supplement with multivitamins to supplement any nutritional gaps.
Dietary supplement manufacturers are subject to FDA regulation, but it’s wiser to look for supplements certified by an independent third-party such as USP that verify strength, quality and purity standards.
Before taking any dietary supplement, it’s essential to speak to a healthcare professional first if taking certain types of medications such as antibiotics. Some dietary supplements, like excess vitamin C can actually diminish their efficacy (3).
Minerals
Minerals play numerous important roles in your body, from helping bones remain strong to aiding muscle contraction. You require large quantities of macrominerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium as well as trace minerals such as iron, copper zinc fluoride selenium in order to function optimally.
Minerals are defined as solid substances with an easily discernible chemical composition. While some crystalline substances with variable chemical makeups may still qualify as minerals if their crystal structures remain relatively stable; halite (rock salt) is such an example; its chemical makeup varies, with certain spots having more sodium atoms while others contain larger chloride ones.
Foods contain essential vitamins and minerals for our bodies to function at their best, making a balanced diet which incorporates foods from all the USDA Daily Food Plan groups the most efficient way to obtain these essential nutrients.
Herbs
Herbs are leafy green plants that add flavor and colour without adding fat, salt or sugars, while also having health-promoting properties. Herbs can be used fresh, dried or as liquid extract in food preparations such as tea, infusion or decoction for maximum impact.
Herbs and botanicals are sold as dietary supplements that are regulated differently from pharmaceutical drugs, making them available both over the counter and with valid prescription.
Though herbs can have positive impacts on one’s well-being in small doses, when consumed in excess they may cause adverse side effects. They also interact with certain medications so it’s wise to discuss any herb supplements with a healthcare provider such as a pharmacist or dietitian before beginning use. Furthermore, be wary of products which claim they can prevent, diagnose or cure diseases or conditions.
Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements containing nutrients with disease-preventing properties. This may include vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, herbs, spices or extracts taken as pills, capsules or liquids.
Nutraceuticals is an amalgamation of nutrition and pharmaceutical drugs, with some experts believing it could reduce patients’ total drug consumption.
Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research showing how dietary supplements can aid in the promotion of optimal health by helping address nutritional deficiencies, illnesses and chronic/viral diseases. As such, this publication serves as an invaluable resource for health professionals, nutritionists and public health representatives interested in learning more about the advantages offered by nutraceuticals; additionally it strives to advance nutraceutical innovation.
Other Supplements
Food supplements often include ingredients not necessarily added for nutritional reasons (e.g. coating agents for tablets and sweeteners), known as food additives. Within the EU, only those specifically approved by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 may be included as additives in supplement products. It is ultimately up to their manufacturer, importer or supplier to ensure compliance with European legislation.
