Should you take nutritional supplements?
Sold without a prescription on the Internet, in pharmacies, pharmacies and even in supermarkets, dietary supplements are preparations that are presented in various forms: capsules, tablets, ampoules, solutions or drinkable lozenges. Such supplements provide nutrients that regulate metabolism: vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids and trace elements that make up for any deficiency. But supplement therapy does not replace a balanced, healthy and varied diet.
1/ Benefits of nutritional supplements
A healthy and balanced diet is sufficient for a natural supply of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the body. From time to time, supplements can fill in some of the gaps. For example, doctors sometimes prescribe iron supplements for women with heavy periods. For pregnant women, a course of iron, vitamin B9 and calcium is recommended. In case of tiredness, stress or during exams, an additional supply of vitamin C and magnesium is effective.
Be careful, people who follow certain diets such as vegetarians, vegans, athletes and people who follow a diet to lose weight may have deficiencies. In the winter, we feel a lack of vitamin D, without the diet always succeeding in curing it. The same is true for vitamins A and E.
2 / credible virtues?
In general, people who consume nutritional supplements have a healthy lifestyle and care about their health. It is therefore difficult to know in these specific cases whether taking supplements alone is sufficient to give her a good physique. These products are prohibited by law from claiming any disease-therapeutic properties.
However, some supplements, such as vitamin D, are believed to have potent powers in helping treat certain conditions: diabetes, colds, depression, and cancer. Omega-3 also protects against cardiovascular disorders and prevents strokes.
3/ Recommendations
It is important to respect the dosage of the nutritional supplement. It is also advisable to seek advice from a health professional or pharmacist as they will be able to direct you to the ideal supplement for you according to your condition. Some supplements can actually interact with drug treatments.
This interaction can have serious consequences. In France, the Dietary Vigilance System was established by ANSES, the national agency for food safety, environment and occupational health, because 76% of the reports analyzed during a study in 2014 related to side effects related to dietary supplements.
The agency also recommends avoiding purchases on foreign sites, taking a course of nutritional supplements in cases where defects have been demonstrated and preferring a balanced diet on a daily basis.