Eating healthy foods and living a healthy lifestyle are important to a healthy and happy life.
However, we do have changes in our appetite and cravings, and these can affect our diet and nutrient intake, therefore, taking food/dietary is essential to fill up the gap, chaktty said.
What is Food or Dietary Supplement?
Dietary or food supplements are drugs or drinks enriched with a specific collection of nutrients to supplement our diet to improve body functions.
These food supplements can offer nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, or other substances that may not be consumed in sufficient amounts through food alone.
Dietary supplements are available in different dosage forms such as drinks, capsules, tablets, powders etc.
You can find pure health supplements for liver, kidney, brain, gut health, joints etc in quality health stores.
Some popular food supplements are Sonovive dietary supplement, dietary hyaluronic acid, super beta prostate, cholestoff complete, and biosil supplement.
These products are usually made to enhance overall health or target specific needs such as immune support like the keto dietary supplement, weight loss or energy boosting such as the Viviscal Extra Strength.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 defines dietary supplements in the United States as products that are:
- Intended to supplement the diet.
- Contain one or more dietary ingredients.
- Taken orally.
- Labeled as a dietary supplement.
While dietary supplements are widely available, they are not intended to replace a balanced diet or serve as a treatment for diseases.
What are the common Types of Food Supplements?
According to healthpally, dietary supplements can be classified using different parameters but the most common one is using nutrients or functions.
Vitamins and Mineral supplements
Food supplements designed to boost our vitamins and minerals are the most common supplements in the market.
They include specific vitamins (for example, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E etc) and minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron,) or multivitamins that combine several nutrients.
These supplements are often taken to address deficiencies in these nutrients, improve functions, or timproveve allalth.
Herbal Supplements
These supplements contain nutrients extracted from plants, these supplements include products like ginseng, baobab, echinacea, psyllium husk, turmeric, ginger etc.
Herbal supplements are often regarded as natural supplements, pure, safe, and without side effects.
Herbal supplements are often used for their potential medicinal properties, such as reducing inflammation, boosting libido, improving fertility, etc
Amino Acids and Proteins
Amino acid supplements like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) or protein powders are popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts to support muscle growth and recovery.
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly sourced from fish oil, are known for their potential to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
These supplements promote gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
They are used to improve digestion, and manage weight.
Specialty Supplements
Products like glucosamine for joint health, coenzyme Q10 for energy production, and melatonin for sleep are examples of targeted supplements designed for specific purposes.
We also have dietary speciality supplements for weight loss like Chitosan, and hair growth like Viviscal professional hair growth.
What are the Benefits of Dietary or Food Supplements?
As I said, food supplements are designed to supplement nutrient deficiencies in diet and to improve functions or correct dysfunctions.
It helps to address Nutrient Deficiencies
Dietary supplements can help fill nutritional gaps for individuals who may not get enough nutrients from their diet due to dietary restrictions, chronic illnesses, or specific life stages such as pregnancy or ageing.
Pregnant women for example often take joint health and bone supplements to help their mobility, vitamin supplements to help their baby’s development etc, according to health pally.
It supports Overall Health
Certain supplements, such as multivitamins, can help maintain general well-being by providing essential nutrients that support bodily functions.
A popular one is the nature-made women’s multivitamin. There are also men’s daily multivitamins to improve their functions.
It can help to manage Health Conditions
Supplements like calcium and vitamin D can support bone health, while omega-3 fatty acids may help manage cardiovascular health.
However, these should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, chaktty advised.
It enhances Physical Perf ormance
Athletes and active individuals often use protein powders, creatine, and other performance-enhancing supplements to improve stamina, strength, and recovery.
