In a perfect world scenario, everyone would take the recommended levels of nutrients each day that will satisfy their needs. However, that is not the case with most people, as they simply don’t have the time or money to support a diet of nutrient-rich food each day.
Since it’s rather complicated to do this, people turn their attention towards dietary supplements in order to fill in the gaps. Dietary supplements usually come in the form of pills or capsules, and these are full of vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about dietary supplements, so stick around and let’s find out.
1. They Provide a Path to Improved Health
Micronutrient is a fancy name for vitamins and minerals, and they are very important for your body. They can mostly be found in fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish.
It’s important that you always pay attention to what you eat, and by including a variety of healthy foods in your diet you will satisfy your nutritional needs. But as we mentioned, sometimes it can be difficult to satisfy ALL needs, so this is where dietary supplements come into play.
2. When Should You Take Dietary Supplements?
By taking dietary supplements to satisfy your nutritional needs, you are drastically reducing the chance of chronic diseases. According to a study conducted by the Preventive Services Task Force, dietary supplements could prove effective against the following:
• Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
One of the most common examples where dietary supplements are useful is to battle vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Take a blood test and see if you are lacking certain vitamins or minerals. If so, dietary supplements could provide you with the necessary levels to fill in those gaps.
• If Your Diet is Limited
Dietary supplements are very common with vegans and vegetarians, where their diet limits the intake of certain vitamins and minerals. You might even have a health condition which forbids you to eat a certain type of food. If so, this is another case where dietary supplements can help you get all the important vitamins and minerals your body requires in order to function properly.
• Pregnancy
Certain dietary supplements can help prevent birth deficiency with pregnant women, as well as promote the health of the baby. It is always recommended to talk with your gynecologist if you should take any dietary supplements.
• Inability to Absorb Certain Vitamins and Minerals
There are certain diseases that affect your body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. With dietary supplements, you can prevent deficiencies because of your disability to absorb set vitamins and minerals.
3. What Are the Most Important Supplements?
There are a couple of supplements that have been researched backed and proven to have greater health benefits if you choose to consume them.
• Multivitamins
Multivitamins have been found to reduce the risk of cancer in men.
• Fish Oil
Fish oils are rich with Omega 3 fatty acids which have been found to improve your hearth, cardiovascular system, blood flow, and weight loss.
• Vitamin D
According to various scientific researches, Vitamin D is great for keeping your bones healthy by regulates the body’s levels of phosphorus.
• Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiencies can increase the risk of heart diseases, dementia, bone loss, and memory.
• Calcium
Like Vitamin D, Calcium is important for our bones and teeth. By taking calcium supplements, you are preventing bone loss and greatly improving the chance of preventing fractures. What’s more interesting is that calcium has been found to be good for your muscles and nervous system.