Everything supplements can and can't do for you
| Updated: Feb 24, 2020, 16:04 IST
Supplements; while some believe that these can aid their health, others don't really think much of them. Even so, as per research, more than half of the American population takes at least one health supplement per day. And although it is said that dietary supplements can come in handy, one must also know what it is that they can do to aid you.
Most dietary supplements are available in the market and do not need to be prescribed by the doctor. They come in pill, powder or liquid form and include vitamins, minerals and herbal products. It's important to remember that these dietary supplements may claim to cure certain ailments but they don't work like medicines do so you must always keep that difference in mind.
So ultimately, you must remember that supplements are only supposed to add to a person's diet to help improve their health by doing things like boosting their immunity. In no way can supplements replace the food that you're supposed to eat. During the cold and flu season supplements can come in quite handy since they can help prevent you from falling sick easily.
Other people who can benefit from taking supplements are pregnant women, women who menstruate, elderly people, patients and also vegans (since most of the food they eat can lack the necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins required on a regular basis).
“(They) have a greater risk of developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies, so it is important that bariatric surgery patients have lifelong follow-up with a registered dietitian on their bariatric team for guidance on what types of vitamins are needed,” said an expert. “As always, consult with your specialist care provider or registered dietitian nutritionist before beginning any supplement,” the expert continued. “The need for nutrient supplementation should be made on an individual basis and with consideration of your current medications and health history.”
“The dietitian evaluates each patient’s diet, medical history, lab values and medication list when determining if a supplement would be beneficial,” she said.
Most dietary supplements are available in the market and do not need to be prescribed by the doctor. They come in pill, powder or liquid form and include vitamins, minerals and herbal products. It's important to remember that these dietary supplements may claim to cure certain ailments but they don't work like medicines do so you must always keep that difference in mind.
So ultimately, you must remember that supplements are only supposed to add to a person's diet to help improve their health by doing things like boosting their immunity. In no way can supplements replace the food that you're supposed to eat. During the cold and flu season supplements can come in quite handy since they can help prevent you from falling sick easily.
Other people who can benefit from taking supplements are pregnant women, women who menstruate, elderly people, patients and also vegans (since most of the food they eat can lack the necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins required on a regular basis).
“(They) have a greater risk of developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies, so it is important that bariatric surgery patients have lifelong follow-up with a registered dietitian on their bariatric team for guidance on what types of vitamins are needed,” said an expert. “As always, consult with your specialist care provider or registered dietitian nutritionist before beginning any supplement,” the expert continued. “The need for nutrient supplementation should be made on an individual basis and with consideration of your current medications and health history.”
“The dietitian evaluates each patient’s diet, medical history, lab values and medication list when determining if a supplement would be beneficial,” she said.