Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, probiotics, herbs, and amino acids. They come in various forms such as pills, powders, liquids, and bars that you can eat or drink. Let’s explore their benefits:
Filling Nutritional Gaps:
A healthy, balanced diet is the best way to get the nutrition you need. However, if you have a nutrient deficiency, follow a restrictive diet that eliminates entire food groups, or have a medical condition that interferes with nutrient absorption, you may want to consider a supplement.
Multivitamins can help fill in nutritional gaps in your diet and prevent deficiencies.
Targeting Existing Deficiencies:
Single-nutrient vitamins can help target existing deficiencies or increased requirements. For example, if you lack vitamin D, a vitamin D supplement can be beneficial.
Specialized Supplements:
Some products are more specialized and may benefit specific health concerns:
Probiotics: These support gut function.
Omega-3s: These promote heart health.
Protein powder: Helpful for those with increased protein needs (e.g., athletes) who struggle to get enough protein from food alone.
Common Nutrients Lacking in Diets:
Nutrients like magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, iron, and fiber are often lacking in a typical American diet.
It’s essential to note that nutritional needs are highly individualized based on factors like height, weight, gender, age, physical activity level, and overall health status.
Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to determine if you may benefit from supplements12.
Remember that while dietary supplements can be helpful, they are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual needs and to determine the right dosage12. ????