Dietary Supplements Really Good Or It’s Marketing Hype?

Do you have a question regarding the benefits of dietary supplements, like types of dietary supplements, how it works, is it really useful, etc. We have got you covered.

Dietary supplements have been making headlines for the last few years because of many reasons. For the most part, the news related to them has not been positive. Yet there is another fact, that is, the industry is enjoying solid and sustainable growth for years. In 2015, the value of this industry was $37 billion. 

Food and Drug Administration says, one of the reasons for this impressive growth in the industry is more and more consumers are now taking charge of their well-being and health. People are consuming dietary supplements in order to stay on the top of their health, and there is a long list of dietary supplements.  

Lots of information is available whether one should consume supplements or not. So, here we are not discussing the same. Instead, we are answering some questions related to supplement consumption, such as, are supplements really important? Do they play a significant role in boosting human overall health and many more? 

Question: Are Supplements Important To Have A Healthy Life? 

Answer: Dietary supplements does not mean just vitamins or calcium. The list of dietary supplement include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fish oil, Vitamin D, E, Iron, garlic and many more. Every supplement has a specific role to play in a human body. Some nutrients present in supplements boost the absorption of other nutrients, while some create obstructions. Example, consuming Vit A in excess adversely affect the liver, consumption of Vit C in excess can change antioxidants to pro-oxidants, excess calcium can block the absorption of iron, similarly access Zinc blocks absorption of copper. Therefore, one should always consume supplements after consulting with health practitioners.

Question: Are Supplements Not Good?

Answer: If someone says supplements are not good, then this is not completely true. Supplements have helped a large chunk of the population to manage many of their health problems. Some examples are, those who are on calorie-restricted diets become deficient in many nutrients, supplements help to fulfil the gap. People who are allergic to milk complete their calcium and Vitamin D requirement from supplements. Pregnant women complete their increased iron requirement from folic acid supplements, Omega 3 and 6 benefit arthritis patients.

Question: Are Supplements Natural?

Answer: According to the manufacturer’s claim, they prepare supplements using natural ingredients. This might be true but when natural ingredients are processed into a pill, it becomes unnatural. Additionally, anything that has the ability to heal can also harm. There is also a truth, the renowned supplement manufacturers actually use the natural ingredients grown following the highest standard in supplements, which make them quite safe to consume. 

Question: Is There Any Harm In Vitamins Overdose

Answer: Vitamins and minerals are important for our body. And there is a recommended dietary allowance for vitamins in the body. If a person is maintaining a variety in his/her diet, it means his/her recommended dietary allowance of vitamins and minerals have met. There is no requirement of consuming the same in excess. “There is an old proverb excess is always bad, the overdose of vitamins can have serious adverse health effects”. It can adversely impact organs functioning, miscarriage, never damage, etc.

Question: Can We Replace Food With Supplements?

Answer: Food is always the best way to complete body needed nutrient requirements. Foods are packed with vitamins and minerals in adequate amount and it comprises of other nutrients as well that support its absorption, and also those that are yet to be discovered. The benefit of dietary supplements is it intends to enrich the diet, not replace it.

Knowing the right way of consuming supplements benefit health, and overdosing of the same should always be avoided. Also, the best way to fulfil the daily nutritional requirement of the body is maintaining variety in the diet. Add five different colours in food to get an ample amount of vitamins and minerals from the same and do not skip exercise. This is the only thumb rule to have a healthy body and smooth functioning organs. Supplements are good to consume if taken after consulting with health practitioners.