Supplements are a part of the daily routine for millions. We take supplements in various forms like Vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, protein powder and others. Our body use supplements to boost performance, wellbeing and fulfil nutrition deficiencies. In this section we are going to discuss about benefits and effects of supplements to our body. We will also check the different types of supplements.
What are supplements?
Food supplements deliver human being bioactive chemicals, minerals, and more which they are unable to get from their food. Tablets, powders, capsules, liquids and gummies are source of supplements. They provide necessary vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, plant chemicals, herbs and other nutrients. Supplements cannot prevent or treat disease but they are useful for energy, muscle strength and immune system.
The supplements were developed because processed food, and lifestyle limitation can dilute the nutrient quality of foods. The lack of nutrients is likely to happen with vegans and individuals with nutrient requirements. This is since they actually find it challenging to have sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 or omega-3 acids. Supplements fill this gap to help the body with what it requires.
Supplements are not directed or controlled under any drug authority in many nation including US because they comes in the category of food, not drugs. It is legal to sell supplements with less testing as compared to drugs but users must educate them about the product they are using. They must know about the ingredients, uses and side effects (if any).
Benefits of Supplements
Supplements are good for those with poor diet or health goals. Supplements can fix many type of dietary deficiencies. For example Vitamin D is recommended for people with low sun environments because it affects bone density, immune function and mood. Iron supplements can save anemic people by bringing energy and oxygen to the blood.
Athletes and fitness trainers use supplements to enhance performance and for recovery. Protein powder supplements are generally used for muscle growth and repair after heavy work out. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are taken daily to reduce muscle soreness and enhance endurance in heavy work. Creatine supplements are important in high intensity training because they can enhance muscle strength and power more rapidly.
Similarly, with the use of proper dietary supplements one can enhance brain function and health. Vitamin B6, B9 and B12 are major players in supplementing brain function and neurotransmitters for mood stabilization. These deficiencies can cause impairment, weakness and depression. Ashwagandha and rhodiola which modulate the body’s response to stress are also increasing in popularity.
Large number of people can be benefitted by supplements. Pregnant women can take folic acid supplements during pregnancy for foetus development and to prevent neural tube defects. Elderly can take vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis.
Supplements are easy to use and can be preserved till a long time. These are also beneficials for students, workers, housewives, athletes, old aged people and many others.
Effect of Supplements
Supplements can be defined as beneficial or harmful based on dosage, quality, types and interaction with other medications. You need to know about its effects before you start utilizing it.
Supplements can support health by filling the gap of various deficiencies. Similarly it can also cause side effects or toxicity if overuse. Too much vitamin A results in nausea, dizziness, and liver injury. Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored in the body and hence over supplementation cause toxicities. Water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C are eliminated through urine. Hence they are less toxic but excess use result in diarrhoea or kidney stones.
While their names are sounding traditional, herbal and botanical supplements may be also side-effecting. Marketed as “adhere-work” products, caffeine supplements like pre-workout supplements cause jitteriness, a faster heartbeat, and insomnia. There is also difference in quality of many similar supplements. Many good suppliers who follow GMP and other quality regulations offer premium quality and effective supplements.
Supplements are not universal. Supplements may change the body with regard to heredity, or health status, or lifestyle. A person who is predisposed in terms of genes to get lesser vitamin B12 might have to take additional doses. Patients suffering from the kidney may be wise to tread cautiously while taking some supplements so that no complications arise.
Cumulative effects may be acquired through the use over a long period of time. Most supplements are safe when taken over the long term but some will cause imbalances.
Final Words
Supplements fulfill well-being by optimizing, supplementing deficiencies, and assisting in wellness goals, yet not for all. Their usefulness, from absorption of nutrients to supporting performance and intellect, renders them an ingredient in most regimens. But suitability, dose, and knowledge of individual requirements determine their effect—beneficial or harmful.
