Taking health supplements can be a great way to improve overall health and help control certain health conditions. From vitamins and minerals to botanical and herbal ingredients, dietary supplements can provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients when used responsibly. In fact, nearly 3 out of 5 Americans use supplements every month to benefit their health. But what are the benefits of taking health supplements?Dietary supplements are products that contain vitamins, minerals, botanical or herbal ingredients, amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), and enzymes (complex proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions).
They are usually sold in several forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. While dietary supplements cannot replace healthy eating habits, they can play a vital role in a healthy lifestyle if you are a well-informed consumer. Here are some questions and answers about what you need to know to safely select and take dietary supplements. Are dietary supplements safe to take? If there is a serious problem associated with a supplement, such as a side effect, manufacturers should report it to the FDA as an adverse event. The FDA may recall dietary supplements from the market if they are found to be unsafe or if the claims in the products are false and misleading.
Who benefits from dietary supplements? Do I need to talk to my healthcare provider about dietary supplements?A good starting point is the product label. The FDA requires that all dietary supplements identify certain information on their labels, including a list of ingredients and a label with information about the supplement. It's also important to tell your healthcare provider about the dietary supplements you're taking when you're being treated for a health condition, such as heart problems or high blood pressure, or if you're pregnant or could become pregnant. Are there any side effects to consider when taking dietary supplements? If you take dietary supplements as directed, follow all guidelines and check with your doctor, the risks are low. Some side effects of dietary supplements include stomach discomfort, heartburn, gas, and bloating. According to a survey conducted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, more than 75% of Americans take at least one dietary supplement daily.
That amounts to about 170 million people in total. Take a look at the 12 benefits of supplements below and consider them carefully when you're thinking about incorporating them into your routine from now on.
12 Benefits of Taking Health Supplements
Studies have shown that many people could benefit from consuming more vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and more.- Supplements provide essential nutrients in the right amounts.
- Vitamins and minerals help the body in a wide variety of ways.
- Vitamin E helps repair DNA.
- Vitamin B12 helps build DNA.
- Vitamin A supports bone health.
- Calcium and vitamin D help keep bones strong and healthy.
- Nutrients are responsible for hundreds of biological activities.
- A multivitamin supplement can be beneficial for those who don't follow a healthy diet.
- Supplements can reduce the risk of developing common chronic diseases.
- Healthcare providers can provide guidance on whether a dietary supplement may interact with a medication you're taking.
- Supplements can be beneficial during pregnancy.
- Taking full advantage of the benefits of supplements can greatly improve an already healthy lifestyle.
