There is an increasing interest in nutritional supplements as an additional fillup for dietary requirements. With this, there are also rising concerns about their efficacy and benefits in maintaining good health. Often, there is confusion about their characteristics and their role in supplementing the dietary requirements. Let’s explore the benefits and harms, if any, of nutritional supplements!
Do nutritional supplements have any benefits in-store, or are they just marketing gimmicks with no positive effects on general health? At the centre of the questions lies the health concerns, often resulting from unverified and false information creating doubts about nutritional supplements and overshadowing the benefits of nutrients on general well-being. Good health is indeed linked to what we eat, and nutritional supplements, however beneficial, can’t replace a healthy and balanced diet. It is also true that modern cooking and eating habits have degraded the nutritional value of food, often favouring the palatability and ease of use over health and wellness. In such a scenario, nutritional supplements seem to be a viable alternative, provided they are produced adhering to the highest quality standards and approved after thorough testing from the health ministry.
Can nutritional supplements replace a balanced and healthy diet? No
Nutritional supplements are generally a concentrated source of essential nutrients produced with a mix of various substances intended to supplement the common diet. They can be used as an added supply of essential nutrients or maintain a healthy balance of certain nutrients. In certain scenarios like recovering from an illness, pregnancy or a training regime, it becomes essential to integrate additional nutrients through the use of nutritional supplements. However, health experts and nutritionists agree that these supplements can’t be an alternative to a healthy, balanced diet. They can have a supporting role in fulfilling certain nutrient deficiencies, but they can’t replace a good meal rich in all the essential nutrients in any circumstances.
Is there any scientific evidence supporting the beneficial health properties of food supplements? Yes
Numerous scientific studies and reports support the claim that food supplements can be a good source of essential nutrients. According to the European Food Safety Agency, ingredients used in food supplements like vitamins and minerals positively impact overall health. In any case, scientific research applied to food supplements and nutrition products has found a generally positive impact on health.
Are nutritional supplements safe? Certainly
The safety of any food supplements is often attributed to the level of standards the company adheres to and the extent of the control of government bodies in testing and analyzing the quality of the product. In the case of food and nutritional supplements, health departments usually regulate the entire procedure from testing to marketing. Companies must detail all the constituents of their health products and notify government bodies before launching the product to the market. The department then tests the product and can ask for additional information regarding the constituents, manufacturing processing or anything else it deems essential to determine the quality and safety of the health product.
Should You Take nutritional supplements without medical supervision? Definitely No
You should never take nutritional supplements, however beneficial they may be, without consulting a doctor. Similarly, a doctor will better suggest you a food supplement product depending upon your specific nutritional needs. You may find several freely sold products that do not require any prescription; however, we recommend you go with a doctor’s prescription.
