If you consume dietary supplements on a regular basis, don’t feel unique. In fact, millions of people intake supplements as their daily dose of nutrition and energy.
Indeed, keeping a constant health status check is not possible. Sometimes, something comes up which becomes a reason for a missed or insufficient diet. So, most people find it easy to fulfill their body’s needs through ingesting supplements. They work like a charm and serve as a potent and safe means to overcome nutritional deficiencies.
Still, some complications are essential to know before getting your hands on supplements. So, this blog will help clear the confusions that are present among people.
Page Contents
5 Important Things To Consider
Dietary supplements provide essential vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. They balance the levels of nutrients that are missing from the diet and revitalize the body. Although they don’t cure diseases, The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act allows their FDA regulation. The DSHEA puts them in a separate spot from regular foods and drugs and ensures their safety.
Although dietary supplements are beneficial, it is best to be careful. Always remember to buy such products from an organic supplement manufacturer. It will get you a standardized product manufactured with safe and certified methods. Moving on, the following are some key points to remember before stocking up on supplements.
1. They Come In Various Dosage Forms
As with any other medications, supplements also have various dosage forms. Still, no matter the product, they each have at least one dietary ingredient. Yet, some supplements even have several different ingredients or all of them. So, it is necessary to read the label and then make a decision.
Some of the dietary supplements include:
- Calcium
- Omega-3 Fatty acid
- Vitamins (A, B, C, D, E or K)
- Ginseng
- Green Tea
The available dosage forms of supplements are tablets, capsules, liquids, and powders. Always check the label and insert for guidance before ingestion.
2. They Have Some Limitations
Even though dietary supplements work like magic they don’t work miracles (sometimes not work at all). Still, many studies show positive effectiveness throughout trial phases. In most cases, they help in building immunity, supporting life, and providing energy. Also, some help with memory problems, cognitive dysfunction, and other minor or major health conditions. Still, some restrictions are present in the form of a vegan diet or an interaction with pregnancy and aging.
Some of the effects of the great and common supplement are:
- Vitamin B12 works as a health booster of nerve and blood cells.
- Vitamin B9 helps in reducing birth deficiencies.
- Vitamin D provides strength to bones.
- Calcium also supports bone health.
- Vitamin C and E help in the protection of cells.
- Omega-3 Fatty acid supports the healthy working of the heart.
- Vitamin A helps in ocular issues.
All these and many other advantages of supplements are visible, but be careful of their use. In order to get the best benefits, choose a product after rational analysis.
3. They Can Be Unsafe
Although the pros of supplements are many, the cons are still present. Some dietary supplements can interfere with other medications reactions. Also, they can stimulate or sedate the drug effects as well.
Some risks involving supplements are as follows:
- Vitamin K can lower the functioning of anticoagulants.
- Gingko is the opposite of the first one and can increase anticoagulant effects.
- Some Herbal supplements can cause liver damage.
- Beta carotene and Vitamin A can elevate the chances of lung cancer in smokers.
So follow proper guidance and avoid any advice other than your physician’s. This will help you to remain safe and risk-free while getting supplementation benefits.
4. They Do Require Prior Consultation
No matter the number of benefits that supplements provide, they work on the body’s functioning. They can sedate or stimulate various things, so it is best to remain safe than sorry. Before buying a supplement product, consult your physician. Discuss every minor or major detail with the doctor including any present or past health condition.
After that, select a trusted and viable tablets or capsules manufacturer. If the doctor advises any other dosage form, get that from a standard supplier as well. Follow the guidelines as it is from your doctor to get the maximum benefits while staying in the safe zone.
5. They Cannot Replace Healthy Diet
It is a fact that dietary supplements boost health and increase the body’s vitality. Still, they cannot replace a natural and proper diet routine. So, don’t miss out on all the nutrient-rich compounds that you can get from the food on the home table.
Even if you ask a hundred doctors, they all will tell you that supplements can never replace real food. They can help provide the nutrients that are missing from the diet or are low in amount.
Maintain Balance In All Things
If you are serious about maintaining your nutrients level, the best way is to adopt a well-balanced diet. Also, schedule your sleep-wake cycles to prevent them from disrupting your daily routine. Furthermore, a good exercise is also helpful to promote body functioning and metabolism.
If you have any problem, consult your doctor at once. Support your body by giving it proper food, movement, and nutrients. This way, you will remain fit, healthy, and fine for the longest of time.
References: