Dietary supplements

A balanced diet is a must for all to take in all the nutrients required by the body. For that one should eat a variety of food. A variety of food that contains green vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, meat, fish and little bit of fat. But at times the food you have cannot meet the nutritional needs and it is then you require dietary supplements.

What actually is a dietary supplement?
A dietary supplement is actually compensating for vitamins and minerals in food by consuming capsules, pills or liquids. Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or botanicals, an extract or a combination of these as a part of their ingredient. It is not a natural way of taking nutrients and does have some side effects.

When do you really require a dietary supplement?
There could be other reasons why you could require artificial way of taking nutritional supplements such as gaining weight, healing after a surgery and bone fractures, recovering from illness and for strength during cancer. It is always recommended to take nutrients in a natural way but at times you have to also take dietary supplements. You should always remember not to take these dietary suppliments for a very long duration as they do have negative effects. A dietitian can help you decide to take a particular dietary supplement. Looking at your physical health one can know if there is a requirement of an extra supplement. But it is always best to consult a doctor as the dietary supplements have side effects and may be they do not suit you. Moreover there are a number of dietary supplements available in the market.

How safe is the dietary supplement?
You cannot really say much about the safety of taking these supplements. The FDA checks out the safety of food and medicines before they come to the market. But it does not check the dietary supplements before they are sold. It has to wait to receive the reports caused by these supplements and then the FDA investigates and bans the supplements if the report is negative. So you could be putting yourself at a risk if you take an untested supplement.

Who all actually require dietary supplements?
• Generally dietary supplements are recommended for certain age groups such as people above 50 years so that they get extra strength as with age the body becomes weak.
• It is taken by pregnant women as they require extra nutrition.
• It is recommended to those you do not take proper diet.
• It is prescribed to the ill and people who have undergone some surgery.

Does the dietary supplement have side effects?
Yes, these supplements have side effects. Many times if it is not taken under a doctor’s consultation you face serious problems. You get to see some hormonal changes in the body after take the dietary supplements. Too much of consumption of these dietary supplements is no good in the long run. It should be taken only when your doctor recommends you. Whenever you feel that you require a dietary supplement always go to a dietician or take it after consulting a doctor.

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