When taken correctly, nutritional supplements can improve health and boost vitality. But most doctors don’t recommend these safe, comparatively inexpensive products, which are not regulated by the FDA as medications are.
This series of NIH fact sheets offers information about vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, and other dietary supplements. Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, especially if you have a symptom or underlying health condition.
Vitamins
Vitamins function like biological spark plugs that energize and protect your cells, keeping them functioning more like younger ones. They also help to promote normal biological processes that are critical for maintaining and improving health, such as the immune system, blood clotting and metabolism. To find out additional information on nutrients, you have to check out ProHydrolase site.
While foods can supply a wide range of vitamins and minerals, they cannot always provide the same benefits as supplements because they do not work in isolation. Food-based dietary guidelines generally focus on entire food products, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, which can deliver an array of nutrients in a natural and effective manner.
Nutritional supplements can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources. Natural-source supplements often offer more wholesome ingredients, while synthetics are produced using laboratory processes. For example, there is a difference in absorption between natural and synthetic vitamin E (the latter is labeled as dl-alpha-tocopherol). These differences are important to know when choosing a nutritional supplement.
Minerals
Minerals are natural inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement. They are distinguished from organic substances (like the proteins, carbohydrates and oils made by living organisms) by their crystalline structure. Some minerals, such as silver and graphite, are composed of only one element; others have many elements composing their molecules.
Unlike vitamins, minerals do not degrade under heat or light, so they retain their nutritional value in cooked and baked foods. Minerals also have certain physical properties, such as tenacity and cleavage, which are important for classifying them.
Many people are at risk for mineral deficiency, particularly those who have a limited diet or follow special diets (like vegans and vegetarians). Supplementation can help ensure that you're getting the proper amounts of essential nutrients.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal products (also called botanicals or phytomedicines) are plant materials used to promote health and treat disease. Herbal supplements come in many forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, teas, and fresh or dried plants. Some herbal preparations have been found to be safe and effective when used appropriately. However, because herbs do not undergo the same rigorous testing as drugs, they should be taken with caution.
Herbal supplements can have a wide variety of benefits, from providing stress relief to aiding digestion. They can also help relieve symptoms of chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, or even boost the immune system and encourage restful sleep. Many people take herbal supplements in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. They are widely available in pharmacies and convenience stores, as well as online. Always check with your doctor before taking any new dietary supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medications.
Food Supplements
As a growing number of people embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness, food supplements are increasingly being used as an effective way to fill nutritional gaps and support overall well-being. This collection of resources – which includes fact sheets, research, and more – presents the latest information on various types of dietary supplements and their benefits.
Dietary supplements are ingestible preparations that are intended to complement — not replace — the diet. They include vitamins (such as multivitamins and individual vitamin supplements), minerals, herbs or botanicals, and amino acids. They can be in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, bars, and liquids. While they can help improve nutrient intake and support specific health goals, they should never be used to treat or cure diseases. To be safe, always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement. For more information, visit NIH's Healthy Living and Wellness Collection. You can also subscribe to receive dietary supplement recall alerts on the FDA website.
