Supplements are available in pharmacies and you can get them without a prescription, and are usually in pill or capsule, powder, or liquid form. Common supplements include vitamins, minerals, and herbal products called botanicals. But whenever you get that bottle of vitamin D or Omega-3 pills, do you ever wonder how effective they are or if they are safe? In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at nutrition supplements and when we should take them.
There are some nutritional supplements that can enhance our health in different ways. For example, women need Iron during pregnancy, and breastfed babies need vitamin D. The most popular nutritional supplements are multivitamins, calcium and vitamins B, C and D. Calcium supports bone health, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that prevent cell damage and help maintain health.
People take supplements to ensure they get enough essential nutrients and maintain or improve their health. Dietary supplements are promoted and described as “natural”, but it doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Not everyone needs to take supplements, some supplements could reflect some side effects, especially if taken before surgery or taken with other medications. If you have certain health conditions, supplements can also cause some problems.
Should you take nutritional supplements every day?
It is very important to understand the chemical composition of these supplements, how it is prepared and what it does in the body(especially for herbal supplements), and also checking its nutrients. By eating a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and meat, you can get all the nutrients you need, so you don’t need to eat just one type of food, but since we do not always monitor our meals or have the time to prepare and eat a balanced diet, nutritional supplements can be used to fill the nutrition gaps.
Scientists still have so much to learn about these nutritional supplements, conducting clinical studies is a big part of their research for these supplements and their effects on our health. Dosage of these supplements will vary for each individual because we all do not have the same lifestyle, diet, and body type. Some people may have different effects compared to others when taking the same type and dosage of supplement. Most supplements are mild and have little risk when taking them on a normal basis, so it’s better to discuss with your doctor on how many and which supplements you should be taking to improve and manage your nutrition. Supplements are labeled as food, not medicine. It is also not recommended to have a high dosage when taking these supplements. So, you first have to understand their potential benefits and any risks they might bring to your health especially if you are planning to take these supplements for a long time. Inquire about and discuss the supplements you plan to take with your healthcare provider and if any, decide together on the supplements that will be the most beneficial to your overall health and how much you should take on a regular basis.
