FITNESS INFORMATION ARTICLES

Dietary Supplements

Also called food supplements, Diet Supplements or nutritional supplements, Dietary Supplements are defined as products which are intended to complement your regular diet and supply the needed nutrients which are missing in your diet.

Based on the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, a Dietary Supplement contains any of the following: a vitamin, a mineral, herb or botanical, an amino acid, a dietary substance to supplement the diet by increasing the dietary intake, and a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract or combination of any of the above.

While Dietary Supplements can provide one or more of the nutrients that your body needs, these are not substitutes to food. Diet Supplements are not the best sources of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. If you are eating a wide range of nutritious foods on a daily basis, it is very likely that you do not need to take any food supplements. Your body is receiving all the essential nutrients if you eat a well-balanced diet.

Diet Supplements may be beneficial to people who are into a weight loss program, the elderly, women who are pregnant, and athletes. Also, if you are not eating properly, a vegetarian or have food allergies, it may be wise to take supplements. It actually depends on your situation and food intake.

Should you wish to take Dietary Supplements, choose carefully. With hundreds of supplements available in the market today, be very cautious on those supplements which promise to cure certain diseases. Read the product label carefully and make sure that you know enough about the supplement before taking it. To be absolutely sure about the effectiveness of a particular supplement or to know if you really need to take supplements, consult your physician or dietitian.

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