Today, leading a healthy lifestyle is more convenient with the wide range of products available, especially nutritional supplements. These come in various forms such as tablets, powders, gummies, and drinks, and contain essential vitamins and minerals needed for the body to function optimally. However, not every supplement will fit your dietary needs, so it’s important to check the ingredients and choose those that suit you.
Here’s what you should know about nutritional supplements:
Supplements work differently, and their effectiveness can vary. They provide vitamins and minerals that might be missing from your diet. It’s important to note that supplements should complement, not replace, a healthy diet to achieve the best results.
Before taking supplements, understand their functions and your reasons for needing them. For example, vitamin D helps build strong bones and prevent bone loss, folic acid lowers the risk of birth defects, and omega-3 is beneficial for heart health. For those with vision issues, a mix of vitamins E, C, zinc, and copper is recommended.
Supplements contain active ingredients that offer various health benefits, but they can also cause side effects if used incorrectly or combined with certain medications. Consult with your doctor and inform them about any supplements you plan to take. Your nutritionist can also recommend the right supplements and dosages for you. Be cautious about taking supplements before surgery as some can affect anesthesia.
With so many supplements on the market, it’s easy to come across counterfeits. Stick to buying from accredited manufacturers who follow stringent practices, ensuring high-quality and safe products in line with FDA regulations. Legitimate companies will have their products independently tested to ensure purity and the correct nutrient blend, reducing the risk of contamination.
Always check the supplement labels for nutritional information, dosages, warnings, and expiration dates. Avoid supplements nearing their expiry. Choose the form that suits you best—whether it’s capsules, powders, or liquids—and consider how well they are absorbed by the body. Some require taking with food for better absorption, such as fat-soluble vitamins A, K, D, and E.
By selecting high-quality supplements from trusted sources, you can effectively bridge nutritional gaps and support your overall health.
