Nearly 60% of adults aged 20 years and above take supplements. Studies show that the use of dietary health products increases with age. The most common nutritional supplements consumed by people are Calcium, Vitamin D, multivitamins and vitamin C. Moreover, people who exercise regularly take vitamins and minerals to compensate for the energy lost during a workout session. Supplements provide a way to improve overall energy levels. A supplement store has everything people need to stay healthy and strong. Most doctors don’t recommend taking supplements because it is a personal choice.
The health supplement industry is growing because the number of people searching for supplements that can solve their health issues is increasing. People of all age groups choose to take multivitamins. The most significant reasons people take multivitamins are overall wellness, improved energy levels, enhanced immunity, proper weight management, and healthy skin, hair and nails. Many people feel they are not getting the proper nutrients from their food.
Reasons for taking health supplements
For general wellness
Most people take multivitamins, minerals and probiotics. They take it daily, believing their diet does not provide these vitamins and minerals. The supplements do not target any health issues, but they boost a person’s physical and mental well-being.
To address specific health issues.
Some people take supplements with a specific health objective. For example, they take calcium and vitamin D to improve bone health. People with macular degeneration take a combination of vitamin E and C. Zinc, and copper to slow down vision loss.
Preventive measure
Sometimes supplements are taken as a preventive measure. In this case, a particular supplement is taken for a specific reason. For example, pregnant women take folic acid supplements to reduce issues in fetal development.
When to take nutritional supplements
Diets: A vegan diet or special diets like keto increases the chances of nutrient deficiencies.
Lifestyle factors: Supplements are essential for people who travel a lot, work continuously for many hours or reside in remote areas without access to a wide variety of nutritious food.
Physical considerations: Some people cannot eat a particular food and must take dietary supplements to meet their nutrient requirements. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to take supplements. Without them, they may develop nutrition deficiency which can affect their overall health.
Personal health history: Some people have a mineral deficiency and take supplements to boost the level of specific minerals. It addresses some health challenges.
The standard dietary supplements taken by people are
Vitamin A/Retinol
Vitamin B3/Niacin
Vitamin B6/ Pyridoxine
Vitamin C/Ascorbic acid
Vitamin D/ Cholecalciferol
Vitamin E/Alpha-tocopherol
Calcium
Magnesium
Zinc
Selenium
Iron
Probiotics
Dietary supplements can never replace a healthy diet. They benefit people whose diet is restricted, and there is a chance of vitamin and mineral deficiency. Taking supplements instead of eating a healthy diet is not recommended. They cannot be used as a medicine to treat medical conditions and cannot counteract lifestyle problems like stress.
Food is a complex source of vitamins and minerals. The human body absorbs most vitamins and minerals from food. Moreover, it can absorb nutrients more quickly from food than from supplements. It is because other food components influence the vitamins and minerals in food. People who need vitamins and minerals are pregnant and breastfeeding women, older people, crash dieters and those with food allergies.
A supplement store has all types of health supplements to cater to the needs of people. Supplements help people to compensate for deficiencies, but they can never replace a nutritious diet. People can stay healthy and safe by taking the recommended amount of supplements.
