Dietary supplements: How to take them correctly and what are their benefits

A dietary supplement is a biologically active food supplement. The history of the search for useful substances to replenish them in the body is equal to the history of all mankind. Our ancestors did not think about how to take dietary supplements and used food as medicine, and roots, fruits, and herbs served as “vitamins.”

Today, the market for dietary supplements is huge, and the requirements are becoming tougher every year. After all, in addition to certified products, there are dangerous and harmful ones, which are only covered by “plant origin.”

Dietary supplements can be focused on filling any deficiency, such as a certain vitamin or amino acid. Here, the effectiveness of a dietary supplement can be enhanced by correcting the diet and regimen.

For the first time, an additive was created by Karl Rehnborg, a chemist from America. He also founded the first company for their production. For experience, the scientist traveled to China but developed the area in the United States. Rehnborg said, “most diseases are caused by nutrition: and not by what was in it, but by what was not in it.” For the first time in the early and mid-20th century, he told how to take dietary supplements for maximum benefit.

What are dietary supplements?

A dietary supplement can make up for the deficiency of a certain substance, which for some reason, does not come from food in your diet. However, scientists have yet to invent such additives that work wonders.

The following are dietary supplements that are most popular today:

Vitamin D

Shown to residents of most countries in daily prophylactic doses. This vitamin is very difficult to diagnose, while its lack and surplus threaten problems in our bodies. Therefore, the optimal solution is to stick to the dose recommended by therapists. It is known that for optimal absorption, it is necessary to ensure sufficient vitamin K intake in the diet.

For children, it is recommended to choose vitamin D on a water or oil basis; both options have pluses and minuses.

It is worth noting that the dose needed by you or the child should be discussed with the doctor. At the same time, every 10th inhabitant of the Earth suffers from its deficiency; therefore, the World Health Organization and the Union of Pediatricians of Russia recommend its constant intake in moderate doses.

Omega 3

Included in the list of acids necessary for our body. In food, it is found in sea and ocean fish, as well as in nuts, seeds, and algae. It can be replenished with food, but not all people can do this for several reasons, such as intolerance to certain foods or ethical reasons. Therefore, a bio additive becomes a way out.

As a rule, Omega is packaged in a small format for children, and it is recommended to take several pieces so that the child can easily swallow the remedy.

Vitamin C

One of the most “working” substances. They pin hopes on it to increase working capacity, fight colds and maintain immunity and also take it so as not to succumb to the blues and cheer up.

Magnesium and vitamin B6

As a rule, these “neighbors” are well absorbed, so manufacturers combine them in one tool for ease of administration and efficiency. Magnesium deficiency is called a “civilized disease” – in the diet of a modern person, its amount can drop to 10% of what is needed. At the same time, magnesium is poorly absorbed by our body; therefore, vitamin B6 is additionally needed, which helps the absorption and retention of magnesium in cells.

Magnesium is necessary for the normal functioning of muscles and the cardiovascular system and is involved in the work of the nervous system’s impulses. And it also helps to digest proteins and fats, lower glucose levels, synthesize nucleic acids, and prevent us from aging. Of course, a doctor and a laboratory test determine a lack of magnesium.

But among the known symptoms of magnesium deficiency: are restless legs syndrome, night cramps, and numbness of the hands. Magnesium also helps fight skin and nervous disorders. For example, its lack is accused of provoking anxiety.

Vitamins A and E

These useful additives are often produced as a complex, but you can also drink individual products. Both vitamins are involved in the immune system. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that is involved in the production of collagen; therefore, it is indicated for improving the skin’s condition: it improves its tone and helps heal wounds. Vitamin E takes care of blood vessels and capillaries.

Biologically active additives: types

In addition to vitamins, dietary supplements are various “herbal” preparations: herbal remedies in combination with various herbs or syrups based on extracts from medicinal flora.

In addition, dietary supplements are divided into probiotics, eubiotics, and nutraceuticals. The former contains strains of active bacteria that help the digestive tract work, the latter has the same purpose but contains mushrooms, and the third contains vitamins, minerals, and acids.

Biologically active additives: benefits and harms

Like any product (even a food product), dietary supplements have advantages and limitations. Please consult your physician to determine which supplements are right for you.

In addition, you should take supplements according to the instructions and consider the dosing regimen, the danger of overdose, and the risks indicated by the manufacturer.

The benefit of dietary supplements is in their natural component – mostly, they consist of plant extracts, less often animal extracts. Therefore, it is important to understand that dietary supplements are not medicine; they do not cure and cannot be a substitute for therapy prescribed by a specialist. 

At the same time, dietary supplements are concentrated useful substances, similar to those we get with a balanced diet. And if you can’t improve your nutrition now, dietary supplements can become almost a “magic” remedy. In addition, supplements such as OMEGA 3 or vitamin D are often unavailable in the quantities you need if you focus on nutrition alone. How and when to take

The use of dietary supplements is best done according to a schedule drawn up by a therapist, nutritionist, or another medical professional. Instructions for the funds usually contain an approximate schedule for taking, but an individual one will be the safest and most effective. In addition, it is useful to pass the appropriate tests before starting the course.

 Why dietary supplements are not medicine

Medications and solgar vitamin k2 dietary supplements are different. The composition and formulation of dietary supplements are the full responsibility of the manufacturer, while the production of pharmaceuticals is strictly regulated by law. For a remedy to be called medicine, many clinical studies and a long medical approbation in the laboratory are needed. 

This makes drug production expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Dietary supplements are not aimed at correcting a specific condition, like medicines. They serve to replenish the supply of a particular substance in our body.

What is the difference between dietary supplements and nutritional supplements?

The answer is not only in the name. Food additives are needed for culinary production: glutamates, salt, spices, soda, and yeast. What makes food more interesting and helps to create masterpieces in cooking? And dietary supplements are extracted or chemically reproduced substances that a person naturally needs.

Where can I buy dietary supplements?

Bioadditives are best bought in pharmacies, on the manufacturer’s website, and from official representatives. You should not order dietary supplements from pop-ups and viral advertising on the network, as well as believe the promises of incredible abilities or instant effects.