What Should Consumers Know About Food Supplements?
These days, taking food supplements is common. This is to maintain and strengthen health in general.
But also for more specific reasons such as:
- Ensure recommended nutritional intakes (ANC);
- Compensate for bad eating habits;
- Prevent a permanent or temporary risk of deficiencies;
- Address possible serious deficiencies in the context of a restrictive diet;
- Correct a diagnosed deficiency;
- Strengthen the immune system in order to better resist and, if necessary, fight possible diseases;
- Gain tone and vitality;
- Promote mass gain or weight loss;
- Boost certain body functions such as digestion, intestinal transit, the healing process, etc.
Organic or chemically synthesized food supplements offer undeniable health benefits. However, these products cannot guarantee food safety. Moreover, in some circumstances, the improper use of supplements would even lead to unwanted effects.
Also, keep in mind that adding supplements to the diet should never be systematic. It is done on medical advice, depending on your state of health and your eating habits. Also, before choosing a food supplement, you should take advice from your pharmacist or doctor. They are the healthcare professionals best able to identify and understand your needs. And if necessary, direct you to appropriate supplementation to prevent or correct a nutritional deficiency.
What is a dietary supplement and what are the benefits of consuming it?
Organic or chemically synthesized food supplements are concentrated sources of one or more nutrients. They are intended to support the nutritional and / or physiological contributions provided by the diet.
They are generally presented in medicinal form (tablets, capsules, sachets of powder, drinkable solutions in ampoule or in a bottle with dropper, etc.). But it can also be vegetable capsules, therefore plant-based, or even herbal preparations sold in herbalists and most often consumed as herbal tea. And whatever their form, they are over the counter in pharmacies and drugstores. However, they have no propensity to treat, or cure a disease. On the other hand, several epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated the preventive value of nutritional supplements.
Still, as their name suggests, food supplements enrich food and cannot replace it in any way. Moreover, be careful with their use, which requires some precautions. In particular, overdose should be avoided. Because an excess of vitamins and minerals can cause functional disorders. This is why it is essential to consult your pharmacist before taking any dietary supplements. If necessary, they will be recommended to you in order to keep your metabolism in balance by providing the right amount of essential nutrients. Precisely, when the daily meals fail to cover said needs.
Indeed, only a varied diet can cover ANC. In addition, food supplements are used on an ad hoc basis to meet a specific need. As a reminder, sufficient food is healthy and balanced; appropriately distributed throughout the day; and which provides all the calories and nutrients that the body needs every day: lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, but also vitamins and trace elements. Also, a diversified diet including cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs and dairy products provides all these elements in sufficient quantity for adults.
Are there any risks associated with the use of dietary supplements?
An analysis of eating habits and the corresponding nutritional intake must be a prerequisite for taking any dietary supplements. The aim is to detect possible deficits, but also overloads. In addition, there may be an interaction between the active ingredients of the supplementation substances and ongoing drug treatment. This exposes you to possible side effects that are often bothersome. Again, your pharmacist is in the best position to identify the potential risk of correlation.
In addition, the greatest vigilance is required and imperatively requires medical advice in the event of:
- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- Taking certain medications temporarily or for a long time
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease …
- Kidney or liver disease
- High cholesterol
- Osteoporosis
- Intestinal disorders
It is not uncommon for physicians to refer patients to their pharmacist for specific information on the substances used and likely interactions. For example, a magnesium supplement prescribed for lack of sleep or a muscle cramp can make a person with a kidney problem worse. Likewise, an excessive intake of vitamin E can harm a patient prone to cardiac pathology.
For all these reasons, the role of your pharmacist is essential in choosing your food supplements. Aware of the latest advances in pharmaceutical products, he will be able to provide you with the best advice! It is also the most suitable professional to save you inconvenience or even health complications.
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