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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