Dietary Supplement: Definition, Who Need It, and Side Effects – Fulfillment of the body’s nutrients can be done by consuming food and supplements. However, both meet the body’s nutritional needs in different ways. The food meets the nutritional needs along with a variety of other components, while supplements present specific nutrients, depending on the type of supplement.
In terms of nutrition, the fundamental difference between food and supplements is the composition of the nutrients contained in them. As for the composition of nutrients, among others vitamins, minerals, herbal ingredients, amino acids, and other components are often found in general consumption such as enzymes.
What is a dietary supplement?
Dietary supplements are health products or health foods that contain one or more substances in the form of nutrients or medicines. Nutrients in dietary supplements are generally divided into vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which act as protein builders for metabolic balance as well as the formation and substitution in the body.
Dietary supplements come not only from some plant-based ingredients, but also animal ingredients that are beneficial to the body.
Dietary supplements have the function of increasing stamina as well as the health care system in order to be free from various types of diseases. Currently, it is quite easy to obtain dietary supplements because they are sold freely, depending on their choice and usage.
It’s just that, to be aware, don’t take dietary supplements excessively because it’s not good for health. Understandably, sometimes we often assume that supplements are also a substitute for the staple foods that the body needs.
In fact, supplements are not shown to replace food. So, in other words, using or consuming dietary supplements is not a liability, but rather an additional food, following the food we consume. Therefore, it is recommended to use these dietary supplements under certain circumstances, as well as not to be used as do**ping, such as the conditions below:
- When fatigue due to the activity that is quite tiring
- When the body feels lethargic, and flu
- When the immune system is in decline and feels like you want to get sick or after being sick
- Poor environmental conditions such as high levels of pollution and free radicals, or due to bad weather
- To maintain fitness as well as health.
Who needs dietary supplements?
For some conditions, health experts do recommend the consumption of dietary supplements. Because at a certain time, the body needs additional nutrients, which can not be sufficient only from food.
Those who need additional supplements include:
- Pregnant or nursing mothers
- Vegetarians
- Individuals with food allergy or intolerance conditions
- The elderly
- Patients with certain diseases, such as cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, or bone disease.
Dietary supplement side effects
Dietary supplements contain active ingredients that can have an effect on the body. Preferably, you are always wary of the possibility of the appearance of negative side effects of the supplement you are taking, or if it is the first time you have consumed a particular type of supplement.
Side effects can also vary in each person, depending on the type of supplement taken. For example, digestive supplements such as probiotics can trigger allergies or lactose intolerance. Meanwhile, excess vitamin C can cause a build-up of the vitamin in the kidneys, and increase the risk of kidney stones forming.
Taking supplements overdoses does not mean better, instead it can exceed daily intake recommendations. An overdose of this supplement will harm the body and lead to potential poisoning. Be wary of the minerals and the types of fat-soluble vitamins, as they can accumulate in the body’s system.
Here are some things to keep in mind in taking daily supplements.
- Always follow the instructions of your doctor regarding the type, dosage and time to take it.
- If you are taking the supplement independently (without a doctor’s recommendation), follow the instructions for use on the supplement packaging.
- Note the use of supplements. Make a list of the types of supplement products and the time of their consumption. This step is important to prevent overdoses from occurring.
- Note the body’s reactions that occur significantly after taking the supplement, and consult a doctor.
- In the event of side effects, especially when you combine supplements with medication, consult a doctor immediately.
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