What You Should Know About Dietary Supplements and The Science Behind Them

People are now more conscious about their health than ever. For this reason, they are meticulous when it comes to their diet and they are disciplined in being consistent with their exercise routine. Some even take supplements to foster holistic wellness. This article tackles some of the things that you need to know when it comes to dietary supplements, as well as what science says about them.

Dietary Supplements in Brief

Dietary supplements include various ingredients that are not limited to vitamins and minerals, as well as amino acids and enzymes. The wellness advocates behind Candropharm suggest that you take dietary supplements to ensure that your body is equipped with the nutrients it needs that you won’t be able to get from the food that you eat. These supplements often come in various forms such as tablets and capsules, as well as powders and liquids.

Benefits

Dietary supplements are known to have various benefits such as ensuring that you get the right amount of nutrients that you need for your day-to-day activities. These supplements can also help lower your risk of acquiring certain ailments and diseases. However, it is essential to take these supplements along with a proper diet because the nutrients that you get from the food you eat are still considered the best form of soluble compounds that your body can use.

Risks

Because various supplements contain active ingredients with strong biological effects, there are a number of risks involved in taking them. In some instances, taking supplements can even complicate your health condition. The risk is increased when you combine the supplements you take, or you use supplements alongside certain medications. There is also a risk involved when you leverage dietary supplements in place of prescription medicines. Even taking too many dietary supplements can also be harmful to your health.

Effectiveness

Dietary supplements are proven to be effective when you are trying to address a certain deficiency. Otherwise, you may not feel a significant improvement in your body. It is also important to go for dietary supplements that are approved by the regulating bodies to ensure their high quality and effectiveness.

The Science Behind Dietary Supplements

●    Multivitamins

Multivitamins have been around for decades already and they are meant to augment the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals that you need in a single tablet. However, several studies show that various multivitamins fall short when it comes to improving certain conditions such as preventing heart attacks or enhancing cognition. For this reason, it is a better idea to seek the advice of a doctor to identify your deficiencies and take a dietary supplement dedicated to addressing them rather than a multivitamin that may not be as effective.

●    Fish Oil

Fish oil is another dietary supplement that has been a regular in the market in recent years. However, it is marketed to promote heart health. However, scientific studies focusing on blood work show that it does a little when it comes to reducing the risk of heart disease. It is still worth taking fish oil though because various research studies found that it does wonder when it comes to brain development and mental well-being.

●    Vitamin D

Vitamin D was initially intended for people who need to improve on their bone and mineral metabolism, preventing bone-deforming diseases such as rickets. With further research studies, it was found that Vitamin D is not only effective for this purpose, but it can also be beneficial to other systems of the body such as your cardiovascular, endocrine, and nervous systems. Just keep in mind that if you have Vitamin D deficiency, then this dietary supplement can do wonders, but if your Vitamin D levels are in check, then you may not notice that much of a difference.

When it comes to dietary supplements, you need to familiarize yourself with the different kinds that are available in the market. From there, you will be able to weigh the benefits and risks of the particular one that you are interested to take. Just keep in mind to go for high-quality supplements approved by the regulating commissions in your jurisdiction. Also remember that while certain supplements are effective, some are ineffective. The key is in getting the advice of a medical professional beforehand for your safety and overall well-being.