What Do Supplements Do?
Whether they’re spilling out of your medicine cabinet or lining your countertop in the bathroom, there’s no reason to be ashamed if you’re among hundreds of millions of Americans who take daily supplements or vitamins day.
You might be trying to overcome a vitamin deficiency or lower the risk of getting certain diseases, you may feel more positive about your health after taking a supplement that promises to boost your overall health.
From vitamin A to zinc, Americans use dietary supplements for decades. When supplements first became accessible in the late 1940s, people flocked to local drug stores to stock up on the claimed to have magical properties to improve their overall health and well-being – They never stopped.
5 Things You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements
- Supplements are available in a variety of forms.
“Whether in pill, powder or protein bars, the goal of dietary supplements is often the same: to supplement your diet to get enough nutrients and enhance health,” is the explanation of Jeffrey Millstein, MD, a doctor at Penn Internal Medicine Woodbury Heights.
They contain at least one dietary ingredient such as vitamins, minerals herbal extracts, botanicals, amino acids, or even enzymes. A few of the most sought-after supplements are offered in multivitamins (which can assist you in not taking a dozen pills a day) But they are also available in a separate supplement.
The simplest common denominator? They’re known as supplements to a diet. Some commonly used dietary supplements comprise Calcium, Fish oil, Echinacea, Ginseng, Garlic, Vitamin D, St. John’s wort, and Green tea. - Do supplements make sense?
There’s a cause why supplements are so well-known: sometimes, they can be effective. “In fact, it’s illegal for companies to make claims that supplements will treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases,” Dr. Millstein. Also, the products that you purchase in shops or online could be different from those used in studies, therefore, studies could be incorrect. - Supplements aren’t always safe.
Most of the time, multivitamins don’t pose any health hazards. Still, it’s important to be cautious when you’re putting any product into your body. In addition, federal regulations regarding the use of dietary supplements are less stringent than prescription drugs.
Certain supplements could contain ingredients that are not mentioned on the label, and these ingredients can be unsafe. Certain supplements are advertised as dietary supplements and actually contain prescription medications that aren’t allowed in diet supplements. - Talk to your doctor prior to taking any medication.
The first step is discussing your options with your health professional since the supplement’s efficiency and safety can depend on your particular situation and overall health. In addition, take these tips at the forefront when selecting an additional supplement: Follow the directions for taking supplements according to the label as well as your doctor’s directions.
Read the label, including ingredients, drug interactions, and the daily value in percent ( percent of DV). Beware of exaggerated claims for example “completely safe” or “works better than (insert prescription drug).” Be aware that the word “natural” doesn’t necessarily equal “safe.” Store supplements properly and away from children. - Nothing can beat the power of nutrients in a healthy diet.
Whatever your purpose is when you take supplements, there is one thing that is for certain: They’re not an alternative to a nutritious healthy, and balanced diet. “Supplements are meant to be supplementary — meaning they enhance benefits already provided by eating a well-rounded diet,” says Dr. Millstein. Supplements should not be used as an alternative to real food. Don’t underestimate what a nutrient-packed salad has to offer as opposed to a pill manufactured in a factory.