The Truth About Supplements: 5 Things You Should Know

What do supplements do?

Whether it’s out of your first aid kit or on your bathroom counter, you’re not alone, among the millions of Americans who take vitamins and supplements every day. Perhaps you are trying to combat a vitamin deficiency or reduce your risk of certain diseases and Truth About Supplements.

From vitamin A to zinc, Americans have been taking supplements for decades. When supplements first became available in the 1940s, people flocked to their local pharmacies to improve their overall health and well-being. I stocked up on these supposed magic potions to make.

Let’s take a look at nutritional supplement statistics

• More than a third of Americans take supplements.
• Multivitamin or mineral supplements make up 40% of all vitamin sales.
• The most common supplements include fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, or EPA.
• About 30% of adults over the age of 65 take 4 or more supplements of any kind.

Affiliate referrals can be found everywhere: businesses, social media influencers, neighbors, friends and family. Amid the noise, it can be difficult to know which supplement is right for you.

There is no doubt that many supplements are good for your health, but the evidence varies greatly. It is important to know which supplements are beneficial to your health and which supplements can harm your health.

5 dietary supplements you should know about

1. Supplements come in many forms

They contain at least one nutrient, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, etc. You can avoid taking ten pills), or you can take it as a supplement.

What is the simplest common denominator? They are kept as dietary supplements. Some common nutrients are:

• Calcium
• Fish oil
• Echinacea
• Ginseng
• Garlic
• Vitamin D
• John’s wort
• Green tea

2. Should I take supplements?

There is a reason why supplements are so popular. “There is evidence that certain supplements, in addition to a healthy diet, can improve overall health with little or no risk,” says Dr Malstin.

Here are some common supplements that can help your health:

• Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerves and blood cells, build DNA, and prevent anemia.
• Folic acid, which can be taken by pregnant women, can reduce birth defects.
• Vitamin D for strong bones
• Calcium to promote bone health
• Fish oil that can support heart health
• Vitamin A may delay vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration.
• Zinc can improve skin health and slow vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration.
• Melatonin can help fight jet lag

However, despite the amount of research done on supplements (since 1999, the National Institutes of Health has spent more than $2.4 billion on vitamin and mineral research), the scientific evidence is not entirely clear. Remember: Many studies show that multivitamins do not expand. Life, slow cognitive decline, or reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

“It is actually illegal for a company to claim that a supplement treats, diagnoses, prevents or cures a disease,” Dr. says Milstein.

Also, the products you purchase in-store or online may differ from the products used in the survey, which may make the survey misleading.

3. Attachments are not always secure

In most cases, multivitamins do not pose any health risks. Dr. Milstein explains, “This medication may interact with other medications you take and pose a risk if you have certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, or if you are having surgery. Some additional medications have not been tested, and special precautions may be required for nursing mothers and infants.

Additionally, federal regulations on dietary supplements are less stringent than on prescription drugs. Some supplements may contain ingredients that are not listed on the label and these ingredients may not be safe.

Additives that may pose a risk include:

• Vitamin K, which can reduce the blood-thinning effect.
• Ginkgo biloba can increase blood loss
• John’s wort can make some medications, such as antidepressants and birth control pills, less effective.
• The herb Comfrey and Kava supplements can damage your liver

Beta carotene and vitamin A increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

4. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking supplements

“The most important thing to remember is to be smart when choosing supplements,” says Dr. Malstein. The effectiveness and safety of supplements can vary based on individual circumstances and medical conditions, so the first step is to discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Also, keep these simple tips in mind when choosing your supplements.

• Take the supplement as directed on the label and as directed by your healthcare professional.
• Read labels including ingredients, drug interactions, and percent daily value (%DV).
• Beware of strong claims such as “completely safe” or better than “(insert prescription).”
• Note that the word “natural” does not mean “safe”.
• Please keep the attachment out of the reach of children.

5. Nothing beats the nutritional power of a healthy diet

Whatever your goals are when taking supplements, one thing is certain. It is not a substitute for a healthy, nutritious diet.

Supplements should not be used in place of real food. Don’t underestimate what a nutritious salad can do for you compared to factory-made pills.

Vitamins and minerals are essential to help the body grow and function. Most people recommend everything from a healthy diet, but some people need extra nutrition. This is where supplements come in – they provide the support your body needs to stay healthy.