Dietary supplements include vitamins and minerals which were used to cure deficiency diseases in the past. Supplements nowadays are used to reduce the risk of chronic diseases of which the origin is in the research. However, the non-communicable diseases such as diabetic Mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and hyperlipidemia are not marked by the deficiency, rather overconsumption of foods tends to be the major cause of chronic diseases. Our lifestyle really plays a role in the development of these diseases. However, micronutrients were claimed to be necessary in order to treat or prevent them.
Speaking of nutrient sufficiency, we may obtain from food sources only. Yes, our food is enough and it is possible. This statement was supported by all registered dietitian. However, some people may benefit from a nutritional supplement if they are not eating properly or not taking a balanced diet in their daily meals. Not everyone needs to take them. It is important to know that dietary supplements exist not to prevent, treat or cure the disease but they can give you plus points to your health when taken with your health provider’s guidance.
The authority that regulates all dietary supplements is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who approves the supplements as foods, not as drugs. The label may claim certain health benefits, but supplements cannot claim to cure, treat or prevent a disease, unlike medicines. The FDA monitors ingredients and checks the labelling to ensure that there is no false claim made about the efficacy of a particular supplement. Nevertheless, some supplements may help to decrease the risk of developing certain diseases or improve symptoms of certain medical conditions.
Before taking dietary supplements, you need to ask yourself, do you really need them in the first place? These are best dietary supplements you can take which are multivitamins, calcium and vitamins B, C and D. Calcium supports bone health, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which benefits many women in reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis, especially if they have a low body weight, are post-menopausal, or are a steroid user. Vitamin C and E are the best antioxidants which improve your immune system to prevent from common flu or viral infection.
Nonetheless, we cannot take it more than the body required as supplements may also cause a health problem or worsen some health conditions. A study mentioned that an antioxidant should be avoided while undergoing chemotherapy because it can possibly protect the tumour cells from the chemotherapy and reduced the survival of the patient. Other than that, our body will excrete Vitamin C if the intake is higher than 120 mg/d through the kidney. Thus, if you take it more than the required needs, you will only produce expensive urine, which does not benefit any of your health.
Next, the best dietary supplements that any childbearing age women should take is folic acid. It is a very important supplement as it is needed for the development of nervous system for the baby. They need 400 micrograms daily to provide a good amount for the baby. If there is a deficiency of folic acid in your daily meals, it would lead to a great defect to your baby. The baby will develop neural tube defects, abnormal brain or other congenital anomalies.
Vitamin B12 will benefit your nervous system. People who have nerve pain or numbness sensation on the limbs will need to take this supplement as it can relieve the pain and improve nerve function. If you have no those concerns, you can take vitamin B12 from fish, meat and dairy foods. Vegans also may consider taking Vitamin B12 supplements. All in all, you need to be cautious of possible health risks from dietary supplements and always refer to your doctor or pharmacist if you are on other prescribed drugs as we are afraid of the drug interaction.
