Dietary supplements and health
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Dietary Supplements: Types, Usage, and Health Benefits
Dietary supplements are widely used around the world and come in many forms, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, botanicals, and other bioactive components found in foods. They are available as pills, capsules, powders, liquids, and even energy bars, and are intended to provide nutrients that may be missing or insufficient in a person’s diet 1245.
Motivations for Dietary Supplement Use and User Characteristics
Most people use dietary supplements to improve or maintain overall health and well-being, rather than to address specific nutrient deficiencies. Women often use calcium supplements for bone health, while men may use supplements for heart health or to lower cholesterol. Older adults are more likely to use supplements for site-specific reasons such as bone, joint, or eye health. Supplement users tend to be more health-conscious, with better dietary patterns, higher physical activity, lower rates of smoking, and healthier body weights compared to non-users. They are also more likely to have higher education and income levels 7810.
Dietary Supplements and Disease Prevention
Supplements can play an important role in preventing nutrient deficiencies, especially in populations at risk, such as women of reproductive age, infants, children, and older adults. For example, vitamin A and iron supplementation is important in developing countries, while folic acid is recommended for women of reproductive age and during pregnancy. Vitamin D and calcium are often used to support bone health in older adults. However, for well-nourished individuals, the benefits of high-dose micronutrient supplementation for chronic disease prevention are not consistently supported by evidence. Daily low-dose multivitamin supplementation has been linked to reduced incidence of cancer and cataracts, particularly in men 346.
Potential Risks and Safety Considerations
While many supplements have proven benefits, some products are marketed with little evidence of effectiveness, and adverse events have been reported. Excessive or inappropriate use of supplements can lead to side effects and health risks, especially when products are adulterated or used without medical supervision. Supplements should not be considered substitutes for a balanced diet, and their use should be recommended and monitored by healthcare professionals, particularly in cases of diagnosed nutrient deficiencies 156.
Dietary Supplements and Musculoskeletal Health
Certain supplements, such as zinc, creatine, vitamin D, HMB, BCAA, betaine, glucoraphanin, citrulline, and collagen, have been studied for their potential to improve bone and muscle structure and function. These supplements may be beneficial for musculoskeletal health, especially in populations with increased needs or deficiencies .
Conclusion
Dietary supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and support health, especially for those with specific deficiencies or increased needs. However, their use should be based on evidence of efficacy and safety, and guided by healthcare professionals. For most people, a balanced diet remains the best way to achieve optimal health, and supplements should be used thoughtfully and in moderation 1345+1 MORE.
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