Balanced diet should be the main source of nutrients. Supplements are just an addition to nutrition and cannot replace any quality meal. It is best to get all nutrients in a natural way, through a variety of food but, sometimes this is impossible so supplements can help.
Supplements contain important substances for the functioning of the organism – vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They are available in tablets, capsules, powders, but it is very important to consume them in recommended doses that will not impair our health.
Doctors often recommend taking vitamin supplements when there is a health problem associated with the deficit of certain vitamins and minerals, if the person’s immunity is weakened, for example, after a severe illness, treatment with certain medications, when there are restrictions on diet (allergy, intolerance) or in the case of bad eating habits.
Food supplements are especially needed for professionals who are engaged in highly intensive training so that their body can function properly and for faster recovery of the muscles after intensive activity.
When selecting supplements, nutritional needs of each individual should be considered. Nutritional needs of the organism depend on: age, sex, lifestyle, types of everyday nutrition, current state of health and the risk of developing a disease. Thus, for example, if you have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D3. The need for vitamin C in smokers population is two to three times higher than in non- smokers population. Pregnancy, on the other hand, increases the need for iron, while intense athletic training requires increased intake of vitamin B complex and magnesium.
Before choosing supplements, you should consult with your doctor or nutritionist. The expert will inform you what the daily dose of supplement is, how long you can take it and what are the possible side effects of supplements depending on the condition of your body.
If you have some health issues or you take any medication then it is very important which supplement you take. For example, if you are taking medicines that dilute your blood then you should be careful with supplements that contain vitamin K because it causes blood clotting.
It is also important to know that some supplements need to be taken with food and others without it. For example, if you use an iron supplement, you should not take it with milk, because calcium from the milk will slow the absorption of iron in the body.
When picking supplements we should look for products with no added sugar, additives or artificial coloring or flavorings. Gluten, dairy and soy can often be found as an ingredient of the supplements. These substances can be allergens so it is preferable to avoid such products.