Intro into the world of Supplements

What are Supplements

According to the dictionary, the word Supplement means “a thing added to something else to complete or enhance it”. 

Organic compounds or supplements are usually needed in small quantities. Each organism has very different vitamin requirements. For example, dogs can produce all the vitamin C they need while humans need to get vitamin C from their diets. The best source of vitamin D comes when we are exposed to sunlight. Food does not provide enough quantity of vitamin D. 

Each person requires a different amount of each vitamin to be healthy, and each vitamin plays a different role in our body. This article explores some information regarding supplements. 

Supplements are available in different combinations and a range of doses. The idea behind supplements is to deliver nutrients that we might not be able to consume in sufficient quantities. This can be in the form of tablets, pills, liquid, or capsules. They include ingredients such as minerals, vitamins, herbs, enzymes and amino acids. It’s important to note that higher amounts of supplements are not necessarily better. In fact, at high doses, some substances may have adverse effects. That is why supplements can only be sold legally with the appropriate warning statement warning not to exceed the recommended daily dose. 

No doubt, you have heard about supplements, and you might have used them or even have been recommended them by family or friends. Some dietary supplements need further study, while others are well understood and well established. This is why before we start taking any supplement, we need to speak to our health provider. 

Are there benefits of dietary supplements?

First of all, supplements should never replace complete meals which are so very necessary for a healthful diet. Some supplements can help us get enough vital substances into our bodies to help function. While others may help reduce the risk of disease. But they are not permitted to be marked to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease. Drugs, on the other hand, can be marked. 

An example of some of the more common Dietary Supplements

• Echinacea
• Fish Oil
• Calcium
• Garlic
• Ginseng
• Glucosamine
• St John’s Wort
• Vitamin D
• Green Tea
• Ginkgo

What about risks?

Supplements may contain active ingredients that can have a biological effect in the body. We never want to complicate our health, so we need to be mindful of a few things. 

We should be careful when combining supplement or using them with medicines. We should not substitute supplements for prescription medicines. It’s essential not to take too much of some supplements like vitamin D or vitamin A. It is essential to be in touch with your health care provider, especially during or after surgery regarding taking supplements. Talk to your pharmacist regarding any supplements you are taking. 

When should we use supplements?

A varied, balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits should be our primary source of vitamins. You might need a supplement to fill the gap if your diet lacks a particular nutrient. This might only be for a short time. For example, when pregnant, you might take a supplement until the baby is born or when you finish breastfeeding. Sometimes the elderly are not getting enough nutrition from the food they eat so a supplement may help. People with kidney disease have trouble absorbing the nutrients needed. Some people with a restricted diet may not be getting enough nutrients. 

Tricks used by Supplement Companies

It is essential to be a smart supplement shopper. We can be savvy by reading the packaging. Be careful if the claim sounds too good to be true then it probably is! If the product claims to work better than a prescription drug and is totally safe or has no side effects, then be wary. 

Be aware that the term natural doesn’t always mean safe. Once again ask your healthcare provider if the supplement is safe and beneficial for you to be taking. Always Remember – Safety Comes First! 

Less than what is on the label – Sometimes and hopefully not too often, the product does not contain the number of active ingredients on the label. Some companies will use questionable or biased studies. It’s a good idea to read up on the supplement you are interested in taking. 

Is Lab-Grown better than Natural Extracts?

There is much debate over whether synthetic nutrients will provide the same benefits as natural nutrients. Each person should draw their conclusion after careful research of their own. 

What are Natural Nutrients – These are obtained from whole food sources in our diet

What are Synthetic Nutrients – They are usually made artificially in an industrial process. 

Most of the supplements that are available today are made artificially. They include antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They can be taken in a capsule, pill, tablet, powder or liquid form. They are made to mimic the way natural nutrients act in our bodies. Always check the label to figure out if the supplement is natural or synthetic. Natural supplements will usually list food sources or be labelled as 100% animal or plant-based. 

Are Supplements the Future?

The Nations health supplements and vitamins value increased to 5.2 billion in 2020. Covid-19 pandemic has boosted the demand in the world for health-promoting goods. With the global supplements market growth due to the increase of health awareness, consumers regard Australia as a trusted source of safe well-researched supplements. Because of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular problems and diabetes, there is a favourable outlook towards medical nutrition.