Choosing the Right Health
Supplement
Health supplements are products marketed to support or enhance the healthy
functioning of the human body. They include vitamins marketfold, minerals, herbs and other
substances. They can be found in liquid, tablet, powder or gummy forms.
In the United States, supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in the same way that foods are. They are deemed a “dietary
supplement” and are subject to strict guidelines, including safety testing, before
they can be sold. The FDA also requires manufacturers to submit data to support the
safety and effectiveness of their supplements.
Some supplements can be dangerous if taken too often, in too large of an amount or
under the wrong conditions. They may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea or muscle aches. They can also interact with medications and other
products you take. Some can even damage your kidneys or lungs.
You should consult your doctor before taking any supplements. They can tell you
which ones are safe for you to take and recommend which supplements to avoid.
The most common supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs and plant-based
compounds. Some, like vitamin C and vitamin D, are essential for good health.
Others, such as folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, can be beneficial for
specific conditions.
Choosing the right health supplement for you can be difficult, especially if you’re
unfamiliar with the product. Several factors are important, including the type and
source of the supplement, what it contains, its form and when you should take it.
Consider your personal health history, dietary habits and any other health problems
you have before deciding to take a supplement. If you have a nutrient deficiency, or
your doctor thinks that adding extra nutrients to your diet will improve your health,
then you should definitely consider supplements.
Many people are able to get all the vitamins and minerals they need from their
regular diet, but some need more than others. For example, women who are
pregnant or breast-feeding may need extra calcium and vitamin D to support their
developing baby’s development. Similarly, people who have medical issues such as
heart disease or diabetes are more likely to need additional magnesium and B
vitamins.
It’s also important to understand the label and packaging for a supplement before
you buy it, to make sure that it meets your needs and that it isn’t dangerous. The
package should state what’s in the product, when to take it, how much to take and
how to store it properly.
If you need help, there are a number of websites that can provide information on
what to look for and which products are best for you. One of the most useful sites is
Healthline, which provides written articles on a wide variety of health and nutrition
topics. The website also offers reviews of different types of products, and it lets you
choose from a list of top brands.
The popularity of dietary supplements has risen over the years, and more than half
of the adult population takes at least one. This means that supplement companies
have a strong incentive to produce and sell the best products possible.