WHY AND WHEN SUPPLEMENT YOUR FOOD

By Sarah Siri Blejc, MPharm

Dietary supplements have recently become a necessary addition to the diet, used by children and older adults alike. They can be useful as they help us get exactly the vitamins and minerals our body needs daily. However, you should first ask yourself whether you need them and, if so, which one to choose and how to use them.

What are food supplements?

 Food supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients, including but not limited to vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, fiber, and various plants and herbal extracts. They have a nutritional or physiological effect marketed in “dose” form (e.g., pills, tablets, capsules, liquids in measured doses). They should not be confused with medicines and are intended for healthy populations who sometimes have an increased need for certain nutrients.

We all know that taking food supplements is no substitute for a balanced, high-quality diet. But then why do we need them at all?

1.     The first important factor is today's fast-paced lifestyles. Many people should consume more fresh fruit and vegetables daily, which are the main sources of key vitamins and minerals. We eat fast, and our diets are often composed of a significant proportion of processed and refined foods, which are poor in specific nutrients but, on the other hand, are very energy-dense, which only increases the need for essential nutrients. Even if we are careful to ensure that we eat enough, we should remember the origin and quality of our food. The nutritional value also depends on the conditions in which the food is grown. Unlike our ancestors, few of us grow our vegetables in our gardens today.

2.     Another factor is everyday stress. It affects our bodies and requires special attention and energy, which our metabolism cannot devote to other essential processes. Add to this a more polluted environment in which we live, including certain lifestyle habits, which result in our bodies being under great strain.

 This is why food supplements should be seen as enriching our food and may help fill in gaps in our diet.

How and when to consume them?

 For the supplement to work holistically and have the desired effect, it needs to be taken consistently. It is recommended to take them for at least 3 months and before, during, or immediately after a meal for better absorption. Everything goes hand in hand, and if we give our bodies adequate nourishment on a daily basis, nutritional supplements would act as a wonderful cherry on top.

Be informed about your use of supplements.

The cure for a specific condition requires finding the cause. In this context, and on top of providing your body with highly nutritive food daily, a lifestyle change is often necessary. This means having adequate physical activity, the cessation or reduction in the use of harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol, regulated sleep, and hydration, among other things.

In any case, it is worth paying enough attention to the choice of food supplements as it is an investment in your health.

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