Do your medical test reports show vitamin deficiency? Are you a pregnant woman suffering from malnutrition? Are you not getting enough nutrients from your diet? If yes, we will address all your concerns in this article. Let’s find out.
What are Dietary Supplements?
Dietary supplements or nutritional supplements are designed to give you nutrients missing from your diet. We can take them as tablets, capsules or powders, or sometimes a liquid drink. Vitamin C, iron, calcium, oil supplements (like fish oil capsules) and herbal supplements are very famous. While supplements have benefits for most people. If you are thinking about taking supplements because some of them can cause allergic reactions.
Why use Supplements?
If your diet lacks nutrients, you might need a supplement. Often, you will only need to take a supplement if you are pregnant. You might need to take supplements for part of your pregnancy. Some women take them until their baby is born. Doctors recommend Folate (folic acid – a B group vitamin) to women one month before they become pregnant. In some other cases, you might need to take a supplement for chronic health conditions.
Who Needs Supplements?
Many people who eat proper food don’t need supplements, they are getting enough nutrients from their diet. Some people find it hard to get the nutrients they need through diet alone. If a dietitian recommends it, you might need to take a supplement. Pregnant or breastfeeding women who aren’t getting enough nutrition from the food. Your body cannot absorb the nutrients it needs while you are experiencing chronic kidney disease. You have a strong need for nutrients otherwise you are at risk of osteoporosis. If you don’t eat meat and aren’t getting enough iron, then you need supplements. Your body needs nutritional supplements when a blood test shows you have a vitamin D deficiency.
What are the Benefits of Dietary Supplements?
Dietary supplements help improve your overall health and may reduce some health problems. Sometimes, a healthcare professional might recommend them. They might advise that you take an iron supplement to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Taking calcium if you are suffering from osteoporosis. A healthcare professional may advise a dietary supplement for people :
- High risk of a health condition that supplements can lower with the addition of a nutrient.
- Need extra nutrients because you are nursing.
- Have kidney failure and your body cannot absorb nutrients.
- Not getting enough nutrients from your diet.
- Receive medical lab results presenting a deficiency of nutrients.
- An older adult having difficulty in absorbing nutrients from foods
Some dietary supplements decrease risk of health issues:in health. For example:
- Folic acid reduces risk of fetal issues.
- The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil improves heart health.
- Calcium and vitamin D slows down bone loss.
- Vitamins A, C, and E are helpful for eye health.
- Herbs, including St. John’s wort and Rosemary provide antioxidant qualities.
- Probiotics support digestion and the immune system.
- Magnesium helps in sleep and healthy digestion.
What are the Risks of Using Supplements?
Getting more nutrients than your body needs can sometimes cause harm. Large doses of vitamin B can damage the nervous system which is harmful. Taking vitamin A, C, or E supplements while you are pregnant is more dangerous to your baby. Some supplements can also interact with other medicines you are taking. Make sure to inform your doctor about any dietary supplements you are taking together with your medicines. Dietary supplements can also interact with other medicines, and may become dangerous in overdose. The best way to make sure any supplements you plan is to check with your pharmacist.
What is the Alternative to Supplements?
The best way to obtain all the nutrients you need is to eat a balanced diet. Some nutrient and alternative food examples
Iron: Red Meat, Nuts and Legumes
Folate: Green leafy vegetables, Cereals, Fruit and Nuts
Iodine: Seafood, Milk and Vegetables
Frequently asked questions
How Dietary Supplements Affect Your body?
Dietary supplements which include vitamin D have different effects on your body. It helps your body absorb calcium, and curcumin which reduces inflammation.
Do Dietary Supplements help you lose weight?
Supplements include weight loss and benefits provide little to no scientific evidence.
How Long Does it Take for Dietary Supplements to work?
The supplement type and dosage determines the time it will take to see its effects and dose. Sometimes, it can take 24 hours or two days. But it might be weeks or months before you notice the effects of many supplements.
Takeaway
Dietary supplements such as vitamins, herbs, and minerals provide nutrients and improve your health. Supplements have some health benefits, and a healthcare professional might recommend that you take a supplement. However, supplements also have some side effects and risks. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about any supplements before you take them to ensure they’re safe for you.