What You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements and their Associated Benefits and Risks

 


Dietary supplements are substances that can be used to add nutrients to the diet or reduce the risk of health problems such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Dietary supplements include amino acid, herbals, minerals, vitamins, and various other products. Dietary supplements come in the form of liquids, gel tabs, extracts, powders, pills, or capsules. Popular dietary supplements include minerals such as iron and calcium, herbs such as garlic and Echinacea, and products such as fish oils, probiotics, and glucosamine. Some dietary supplements are beneficial for overall health.

Due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing geriatric population worldwide, the demand for dietary supplements has increased over the years. It is estimated that, by 2020, chronic diseases will account for about three-quarters of all deaths worldwide. Moreover, in Asia Pacific, the demand for dietary supplements is continuously increasing due to the increasing awareness among consumers about the benefits of dietary supplements. In Europe, increasing protein consumption in countries, such as the United Kingdom and Germany is promoting the use of amino acids for the production of dietary supplements. Moreover, the European Commission has established harmonized regulations to ensure that supplements are safe and properly labeled.

Dietary supplements have several benefits, such as vitamin D and calcium help reduce bone loss and keep bones strong, folic acid help reduce the risk of some birth defects, and omega-3 fatty acids may help some individuals with heart disease. Moreover, a combination of zinc, zeaxanthin, lutein, copper, and vitamins E and C may slow down vision loss in individuals with age-related macular degeneration. However, there are some risks associated with their use. For instance, excess vitamin A can reduce bone strength and cause liver damage and headaches. Too much iron may damage the liver and other organs. Dietary supplements are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure diseases.

 

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