Supplements are food products that add nutrients to the diet. These can include vitamins, minerals as well as amino acids and herbs. These supplements come in many forms, some are synthetic and others are natural. It is important to know which supplements are safe to use and which can be harmful. Your health care provider might be able help you evaluate your needs and recommend the best supplements for you.
Before starting any nutritional supplement, you should talk to your doctor to ensure that the product will be safe for you. Talk to your doctor if you take prescription drugs. You should also ask if the supplement may interact with these medications. This is particularly important for multi-supplement users.
Vitamins are essential for healthy body development. They are either fat-soluble, A, D, E and K, or water-soluble, C, B, D and D. Typically, people get the vitamins they need through a healthy diet. However, if you have an underlying condition, you might want to consider taking a supplement.
Supplements are usually taken in pill or liquid form. Supplements are often taken in larger amounts than real food. It is important to not exceed the daily recommended intake of a supplement. Side effects can result from taking more than the recommended amount.
Supplements are as safe as foods in the European Union. Supplements are not subject to the same regulations as prescription medications. Prescription medication is regulated by The Food and Drug Administration. This means you can't take vitamins and minerals from prescription medications and supplements simultaneously. Some supplements can have side effects when combined with other supplements.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved many supplements. This does not mean that they are safe. Some supplements, such as those for cancer chemotherapy, can cause interference with the treatment. Some supplements may also cause bleeding. You can avoid issues by carefully reading and following the directions.
In the United States, the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements as closely as prescription medications. Although the Office of Dietary Supplements is a good source of scientific research findings, you should also consult a health care provider before taking any supplement.
Some nutritional supplements can have a positive effect on your health. One example is a supplement with antioxidants that can slow down natural cell damage. A vitamin D supplement might be required for those who only have limited sunlight exposure. You can also try calcium-enriched products.
The European Commission aims to regulate and supervise the food supplement industry. It creates harmonised lists that include substances that can be used for vitamin and mineral sources, as well rules for the ingredients permitted to be made into food supplements. EFSA assists the European Commission to set the maximum levels of nutrient sources for supplements. EFSA evaluates the risks of the supplements, as well as the effects of individual micronutrients.
FAQ
What is the difference between a calorie or a kilocalorie.
Calories can be used to measure how much energy is in food. Calories is the unit of measurement. One calorie contains the energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.
Kilocalories can also be used to refer to calories. Kilocalories are measured as a thousandth of a calorie. For example, 1000 calories equals one kilocalorie.
What's the difference between a virus & a bacterium?
A virus is a microscopic organism which cannot reproduce outside of its host cell. A bacterium is a single-celled organism that reproduces by splitting itself in two. Viruses are small, around 20 nanometers in size. Bacteria are much larger, at 1 micron.
Viruses can be spread by contact with bodily fluids containing infected substances, such as saliva, urine and semen. Bacteria can easily be spread from direct contact to contaminated objects and surfaces.
Viruses can get into our bodies through cuts and scrapes on the skin, bites or other injuries. They can also be transmitted through the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, vaginal, rectum, and anus.
Bacteria can be introduced to our bodies by cuts, scrapes or burns. They may also be introduced into our bodies through food and water as well as soil, dirt, dust, and animals.
Both bacteria as well as viruses can cause illness. Viruses can not multiply in the host. They only infect living tissues when they cause illness.
Bacteria can multiply within their hosts and cause illness. They can also invade other parts of your body. We need antibiotics to get rid of them.
Which are the top 10 foods you should eat?
The top 10 best foods are:
-
Avocados
-
Berries
-
Broccoli
-
Cauliflower
-
Eggs
-
Fish
-
Grains
-
Nuts
-
Oats
-
Salmon
How can I tell what is good for me?
Listening to your body is essential. When it comes to your body's needs for exercise, food, or rest, it is the best. It's important to pay attention to your body so you don't overdo things. Listen to your body and make sure you're doing everything you can to stay healthy.
Statistics
- WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. (who.int)
- Extra virgin olive oil may benefit heart health, as people who consume it have a lower risk for dying from heart attacks and strokes according to some evidence (57Trusted Source (healthline.com)
- According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, we should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week (54Trusted Source Smoking, harmful use of drugs, and alcohol abuse can all seriously negatively affect your health. (healthline.com)
- This article received 11 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. (wikihow.com)
External Links
How To
What does the "vitamin") mean?
Vitamins are organic compounds found naturally in food. Vitamins are essential for our bodies to absorb nutrients from the foods we eat. The body cannot make vitamins; therefore, they must be obtained from food.
There are two types: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve easily when they are dissolved in water. Some examples include vitamin C,B1 and B2 vitamins (thiamine), B2 and riboflavin, B3 and niacin, B6 vitamins (pyridoxine), B6 vitamins (niacin), folic acids, biotin, pantothenic acids, and Choline. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored within the liver and in fatty tissue. Vitamin D, E, K and A are some examples.
Vitamins are classified based on their biological activity. There are eight major types of vitamins.
-
A - vital for normal growth and maintaining good health.
-
C - important for proper nerve function and energy production.
-
D - Vital for healthy bones and teeth
-
E is required for good vision and reproduction.
-
K – Required for healthy muscles & nerves.
-
P – Vital for building strong bones.
-
Q - Aids in digestion and absorption.
-
R - Required for red blood cell production
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins varies depending on age, gender, and physical condition. RDA values are set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For adults over 19 years, the RDA is 400 mg per day for vitamin A. Because it is essential for the development of the fetus, pregnant women should consume 600 micrograms per days. Children ages 1-8 require 900 micrograms per day. Infants below one year of age need 700 micrograms daily. But, between 9 months to 12 months of age, the amount drops to 500micrograms per days.
Children ages 1-18years who are obese need 800 micrograms per day while those who are overweight need 1000 micrograms per day and children who are underweight need 1200 micrograms per day to meet their nutritional needs.
Children aged 4-8 years old who have been diagnosed as having anemia require 2200 micrograms of vitamin C per day.
Adults over 50 years of age need 2000 micrograms per day for general health. Breastfeeding or pregnant women require 3000 micrograms per daily due to higher nutrient demands.
Adults over 70 need 1500 micrograms daily, since they lose around 10% of their muscle mass every decade.
Women who are pregnant or lactating need more than the RDA. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require 4000 micrograms each day during pregnancy and 2500 Micrograms each day after birth. Breastfeeding mothers require 5000 micrograms daily when breast milk production is occurring.