Do health supplements actually help you?

When you go for that bottle of vitamin C or fish oil tablets, you might question how effectively they'll work and if they're safe. The first question to ask is if you actually need them.

More than half of all Americans use one or more dietary vitamin supplements on a daily or irregular basis. Supplements are available without a prescription and are often available in pill, powder, or liquid form. Vitamins, minerals, and herbal preparations, usually referred to as botanicals, are examples of common supplements.

People use these health vitamin supplements to ensure they obtain enough important nutrients and to maintain or improve their health. However, supplement is not something that's needed by us all.

You can receive all of the nutrients you require by eating a variety of healthful meals, so you don't need to take a supplement. Supplements, on the other hand, can be effective for covering dietary gaps.

Negative Impacts of Vitamin Health Supplements

Some supplements may have negative effects, particularly if used before surgery or in conjunction with other medications. Supplements might also be problematic if you have specific health issues. Many supplements' effects on children, pregnant women, and other populations have not been studied. So, if you're considering using dietary supplements, see your doctor first.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements as foods, not medications. Certain health advantages may be stated on the label. Supplements, unlike pharmaceuticals, cannot make claims to cure, treat, or prevent disease.

There is minimal evidence that any supplement may halt the progression of a chronic condition. Don't go into supplementation with that mindset.

Vitamin Supplements that can improve health

Some supplements, according to the evidence, can improve health in a variety of ways. Multivitamins, calcium, and vitamins B, C, and D are the most common nutritional supplements. Calcium promotes bone health, while vitamin D aids in calcium absorption. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, which are chemicals that protect cells and aid in their repair.

Expecting mothers need Iron in a significant amount whereas breastfed infants require Vitamin D. For women at the reproductive age have a serious requirement of Folic acid either from external sources or in the diet.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the health of nerve and blood cells. In the case of the vegan population, since B12 is mostly found in meat, fish, and dairy products, supplements are the best option. Fish oil may benefit heart health, according to research. Supplements that are not derived from vitamins and minerals. Fish oil arguably has the most scientific data to back it up.

Other Vitamin Supplements

Other common supplements' health effects require further investigation. Glucosamine (for joint pain) and herbal supplements like echinacea (for immunological health) and flaxseed oil are examples of these (digestion).

Many supplements have few side effects and pose minimal dangers. But proceed with care. Blood thinners, for example, are less effective when vitamin K is present. Ginkgo exacerbates blood thinning.

What does “Natural” Supplement mean?

Just because a supplement is labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's necessarily safe. Comfrey and kava, for example, can cause severe liver damage.

It's important to understand the chemical makeup of a substance, how it's manufactured, and how it functions in the body—particularly for herbs, but also for nutrients. Consult with your doctor to determine whether you require a multivitamin or not.

Check the percent Daily Value (DV) for each nutrient to be sure you're not receiving too much of it. It's critical to think about the DV and the upper limit. Some supplements might be dangerous if consumed in excess.

Even concerning basic vitamins, scientists still have a lot to discover.

The FDA does not test the quality of supplements or their effects on the body because they are classified as foods rather than medications. The authority to limit or prohibit the use of a drug is determined by the FDA. FDA can discontinue a drug if it's found to be dangerous after being released in the market.

Manufacturers are also responsible for the quality of the product, as well as correctly listing the contents and their quantities. However, there is no regulating organization that ensures that the labels reflect what is in the bottles. You run the chance of receiving fewer or more of the indicated components.

Are supplements safe?

Only a few independent organizations assess supplements for quality and provide seals of approval. This does not imply that the product performs or is safe. The meaning of the label on the supplement only indicates that it was prepared properly and includes the indicated components.

Products sold in shops and online across the country should be fine. Herbal medicines touted for weight reduction and sexual or athletic performance betterment are the supplements most likely to include pharmaceutical components.

Conclusion

It is a major matter to decide whether or not to take dietary supplements, and which ones to take. First, learn about their possible advantages and risks. Speak with your doctor about things that interest you, and together decide what, if anything, is best for your health.