The sNutritional supplements are supplements that people use to add nutrients or other compounds into their bodies.
From single vitamins and minerals to nutrient and herbal blends, there are a ton of different nutritional supplements on the market that claim to provide numerous specific health benefits.
However, due to their limited regulation, it's not always clear which supplements are high quality, or which ones are a waste of money or even potentially dangerous.
Let's find out all secrets of nutritional supplements and how and when to use them!
Index
Vitamins, minerals and proprietary blends
Nutritional supplements are supplements that are taken orally and contain a "dietary" ingredient, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, fundamental amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants and other nutrients.
Available in different forms such as capsules, gummy candies, tinctures, powders and liquids, supplements are generally marketed as a simple and effective way to improve physical and mental health.
The most common forms of supplementation include:
- Vitamins: vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly and stay healthy; they help regulate vital metabolic functions, including growth, nerve function and digestion. Among these we distinguish:
- Vitamins liposolubili: dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body; include vitamins K, D, E, A
- Water-soluble vitamins: these vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored in the body; include vitamins C and group B
- Minerals: are inorganic elements essential for specific bodily functions, such as growth, bone health and fluid balance
- Proprietary blends: a proprietary blend is a unique combination of ingredients created by a supplement manufacturer; often, from the label, it is difficult to tell how much of each ingredient the blend contains.
For the healthiest people, it is possible to obtain all the vitamin and mineral supplements through the only well balanced diet, however, there are certain conditions, medications, and circumstances in which supplements may be needed to meet nutritional needs.
Recall that supplementation with nutritional supplements is designed to supplement, not replace, nutrients or other compounds in the diet.
If you take a supplement, for a variety of reasons, this does not mean that it is necessary to maintain a varied, healthy and balanced diet.
Nutrients in Food VS Supplements
Eating a wide variety of foods is the best way to ensure a proper intake of vitamins and minerals; foods contain varying amounts and combinations of nutrients, for example, citrus fruits are known for their richness in vitamin C, while green leafy vegetables are famous for the amount of Vitamin K.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, foods contain other essential nutrients such as protein, fats and fiber, all necessary for overall health and optimal functioning of the body.
Additionally, plant-based foods, in particular, are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, two classes of compounds linked to benefits that reduce inflammation and protect against chronic disease.
Supplements, on the other hand, don't offer the same nutritional benefits! They are tasked with supplementing, not replacing, a healthy diet and generally only provide concentrated amounts of specific nutrients.
What supplements and supplements do you take? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to follow us on our telegram channel????
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