Nutritional supplements are food products designed to supplement a person’s diet. They contain macronutrients – like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – as well as micronutrients – vitamins and minerals – in pill or liquid form for easy inclusion into any daily routine.
Vitamins are vital nutrients needed by our bodies in order to function optimally. Most individuals obtain enough of them through eating healthily.
They are a supplement to a healthy diet
Although nutritional supplements can enhance your health, they cannot replace a nutritious and balanced diet. Furthermore, some supplements may cause adverse side effects or interact with medications in such a way as to cause potentially toxic reactions when taken at large amounts. In order to avoid these problems, always consult with a healthcare professional prior to taking supplements and adhere to their recommended dosage.
Nutritional supplements are any food-grade substance taken as an addition to food in order to increase intake of essential micro and macro nutrients, whether this takes the form of pills, powders, or liquids. Dietary supplement regulation by both National Institutes of Health (NIH) and FDA govern their labeling, marketing and safety aspects.
The FDA does not review dietary supplements before they hit the market, but has an active role after they do arrive on store shelves. They monitor reports of adverse events and work with companies to bring products into compliance; additionally they review product labels and marketing materials to ensure they do not make false or misleading claims.
They are a supplement to a healthy lifestyle
Nutritional supplements are products designed to aid health or address nutritional deficiencies. You can find them at drug stores, supermarkets and health food stores; online purchases may also be possible though it may be harder to know exactly what’s inside them.
Dietary supplements should supplement, not replace, a healthy diet rich in nutrient-rich foods. Before beginning to take supplements, speak to a dietitian as they will be able to determine if the particular supplements are right for you and offer advice as to the appropriate daily dosages.
The Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary supplement claims and reviews adverse event reports submitted by consumers and healthcare professionals, in addition to overseeing labeling requirements and manufacturer facilities. You should avoid supplements that claim to cure or prevent disease, contain unregulated ingredients, or are unlicensed; look for certificates from independent third parties such as NSF, USP or Banned Substances Control Group for certifications of analysis from such as these products.
They are a supplement to a healthy body
Dietary supplements contain vitamins and minerals your body requires in small doses for proper functioning. Their dosage is often expressed in milligrams (mg) or micrograms (1 millionth of a gram). Some individuals require them because their food sources don’t provide enough essential vitamins and minerals; however, most can meet their nutrient requirements by eating a variety of healthy food sources.
Dietary supplement manufacturers must ensure their products are safe before going onto the market. The Food and Drug Administration regulates these supplements and has created Good Manufacturing Practices to minimize risk of contamination or adulteration; you can find more information on them by visiting NIH website.
Before taking dietary supplements, always consult your health care provider first. They can recommend an effective brand and verify if the ingredients match up. They can also discuss what kind of nutrients may already exist in your diet and if any additional vitamins or supplements might be beneficial.
They are a supplement to a healthy mind
Supplements can provide an extra boost against aging and disease. From melatonin to fiber, these supplements play an integral part in keeping American’s minds and bodies healthy. But it’s essential that individuals select appropriate supplements according to their personal needs, including possible side effects of any medications they might take.
Some supplements may interact with medications, interfere with lab tests or present danger during surgery. It’s essential that you verify whether your supplements contain heavy metals or chemicals; furthermore it would be wise to choose ones certified by NSF International, US Pharmacopeia or Underwriters Laboratory.
Supplements that are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so it’s wise to consult your physician before beginning to take them. They will know which ones are safe to take as well as help create a supplement regimen tailored specifically to you needs. Furthermore, your physician can provide a list of reliable brands as well as their contact details.
