Some dietary supplements can improve overall health and help control some health conditions. Folic acid reduces the risk of certain birth defects. While dietary supplements cannot replace healthy eating habits, they can provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients when used responsibly. In fact, nearly 3 out of 5 Americans use supplements every month to benefit their health.
Dietary supplements can play a vital role in a healthy lifestyle, if you are a well-informed consumer. Here are some questions and answers about what you need to know to safely select and take dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are products that contain vitamins, minerals, botanical or herbal ingredients, amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), and enzymes (complex proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions). They are usually sold in several forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids.
Dietary supplements aren't drugs and don't cure diseases, but they're regulated by the U.S. UU. Are dietary supplements safe to take? If there is a serious problem associated with a supplement, such as a side effect, manufacturers should report it to the FDA as an adverse event. The FDA may recall dietary supplements from the market if they are found to be unsafe or if the claims in the products are false and misleading.
Who benefits from dietary supplements? Do I need to talk to my healthcare provider about dietary supplements? It's also important to tell your healthcare provider about the dietary supplements you're taking when you're being treated for a health condition, such as heart problems or high blood pressure, or if you're pregnant or could become pregnant. A good starting point is the product label. The FDA requires that all dietary supplements identify certain information on their labels, including a list of ingredients and a label with information about the supplement. Are there any side effects to consider when taking dietary supplements? If you take dietary supplements as directed, follow all guidelines and check with your doctor, the risks are low.
Some side effects of dietary supplements include stomach discomfort, heartburn, gas, and bloating. According to a survey conducted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, more than 75% of Americans take at least one dietary supplement daily. That amounts to about 170 million people in total. Take a look at the 12 benefits of supplements below and consider them carefully when you're thinking about incorporating them into your routine from now on.
Studies have shown that many people could benefit from consuming more vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and more. One of the main benefits of supplements is that they allow people to access the right nutrients in the right amounts. But today, there are nearly 10 million Americans who follow plant-based diets. And that number is expected to continue to increase in the coming years.
Vitamins and minerals help the body in a wide variety of ways, many of which work together. For example, vitamin E helps repair DNA, while vitamin B12 helps build it. Vitamin A supports bone health, as do calcium and vitamin D. It's also important to tell your healthcare provider about the dietary supplements you're taking when you're being treated for a health condition, such as heart problems or high blood pressure, or if you're pregnant or could become pregnant.
You also see experimental multivitamins, that is, supplements that make dubious health claims, such as those that claim to include antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer. Nutritional health plans that include vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are beneficial at any age. Many of these supplements contain elements such as folic acid, vitamin B, choline and omega-3 fatty acids that should help keep both mothers and babies healthy. A doctor-led supplement program, along with a nutritious diet and an overall healthy lifestyle, can reduce the risk of developing common chronic diseases and keep the body strong.
If you don't follow a healthy diet and don't plan to adopt one, you'll probably want to start with a multivitamin supplement. When you take supplements, you will feel that you have a much better chance of being a healthy person. It's important to note that healthcare providers can provide you with guidance on whether a dietary supplement may interact with a medication you're taking. Even if you're already eating a nutritious diet, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can help you live a healthier, more active and fuller life.
Of course, your body can't absorb calcium and iron at the same time, so you won't receive any benefit from a multivitamin that contains those compounds together. However, you shouldn't avoid taking full advantage of the benefits of supplements during pregnancy, as they could be very beneficial for you and your baby. .
