Nutritional food supplement
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Nutritional Food Supplements: An Overview
Introduction to Nutritional Food Supplements
Nutritional food supplements, also known as dietary supplements, are products designed to augment the diet and provide nutrients that may not be consumed in sufficient quantities. These supplements can include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and other substances, and are available in various forms such as pills, tablets, capsules, and liquids 2.
Prevalence and Usage Patterns
Global and Regional Consumption
The use of dietary supplements has seen a significant rise globally. In Europe, national nutrition surveys indicate that dietary supplement intake is recorded in 30 out of 53 countries, with Finland and Denmark showing the highest usage rates (over 50%) and Italy the lowest (5%) 1. In the United States, nearly half of adults reported using a supplement within a 30-day period, primarily to improve or maintain overall health 4.
Specific Populations
Athletes are a notable group with high supplement usage, with about 85% of elite track and field athletes incorporating them into their routines. Common supplements among athletes include vitamins, minerals, protein, creatine, and various ergogenic compounds 6. Additionally, supplements are often recommended for specific populations such as infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly to address particular nutritional deficiencies 5.
Health Benefits and Risks
General Health and Disease Prevention
Nutritional supplements can play a crucial role in preventing deficiencies and promoting health. For instance, lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) given to infants and young children have been shown to reduce the prevalence of moderate stunting, wasting, underweight, and anemia without adverse effects 3. Similarly, supplements like vitamin A, iron, folic acid, and vitamin D are essential in preventing deficiencies in vulnerable populations 5.
Oral Health
Nutritional supplements also positively impact oral health. Studies have shown that higher intakes of supplements within recommended doses can lead to reductions in plaque scores, probing depths, gingival inflammation, and improved periodontal healing 10.
Performance Enhancement
For athletes, certain supplements such as creatine, caffeine, and alkalinizing agents have well-documented roles in enhancing performance in high-intensity exercise 6. However, it is crucial to use these supplements judiciously to avoid potential side effects and the risk of consuming prohibited substances 6.
Regulatory and Quality Control
European and International Frameworks
The regulation of dietary supplements varies globally. In Europe, the regulatory framework includes guidelines on nutrition and health claims, novel food ingredients, and fortified foods 7. The United States has specific regulations under the Nutritional Labeling and Education Act and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) to ensure the quality and safety of supplements 48.
Need for Harmonized Regulations
There is a growing need for harmonized regulations to ensure the efficacy and safety of supplements. This includes establishing quality control measures and conducting clinical trials to validate the health benefits of these products 8.
Conclusion
Nutritional food supplements are increasingly popular for their potential health benefits, including preventing deficiencies, enhancing performance, and improving overall health. However, their use should be guided by scientific evidence and regulatory standards to ensure safety and efficacy. Further research and harmonized regulations are essential to maximize the benefits of these supplements while minimizing risks.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Is Dietary (Food) Supplement Intake Reported in European National Nutrition Surveys?
Dietary supplement intake is not fully reported in European National Nutrition Surveys, with Finland and Denmark having the highest consumption (50%), and Italy having the lowest (5%) consumption.
Systematic ReviewHealth and Dietary Supplements
Nutritional supplements can improve performance, physical appearance, and avoid dangerous drugs, but excessive consumption may cause side effects.
Systematic ReviewPreventive lipid-based nutrient supplements given with complementary foods to infants and young children 6 to 23 months of age for health, nutrition, and developmental outcomes.
Preventive lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) combined with complementary foods show potential in improving health, nutrition, and developmental outcomes for infants and young children aged 6-23 months.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedFunctional foods and dietary supplements
Functional foods and dietary supplements are growing in popularity due to their perceived health benefits and convenience, with 49% of US adults using supplements to improve overall health and maintain health.
Dietary supplements and disease prevention — a global overview
Dietary supplements can improve health and meet micronutrient requirements, particularly in developing countries and those at risk of deficiencies.
Highly CitedThe use of dietary supplements by athletes
Dietary supplements may be useful for athletes in specific circumstances, but their use should be based on a full understanding of potential benefits and risks, and consulted with a sports nutrition professional.
Highly CitedEvaluation and regulation of food supplements: European perspective
The European Union's regulatory framework on food supplements, including nutrition and health claims, novel ingredients, dietetic foods, botanicals, traditional herbal medicines, and fortified foods, is complex and influenced by factors such as age, weight, and lifestyle.
The frontier between nutrition and pharma: The international regulatory framework of functional foods, food supplements and nutraceuticals
Functional foods, food supplements, and nutraceuticals show potential health benefits and could be combined with prescribed medication to manage chronic diseases.
Highly CitedTaste Perception of Nutrients Found in Nutritional Supplements: A Review
Sensory attributes of nutritional supplements, such as taste and aftertaste, play a crucial role in ensuring effective consumption and treatment outcomes.
Very Rigorous JournalRole of nutritional supplements on oral health in adults – A systematic review
Consuming nutritional supplements in recommended doses positively impacts oral health in adults, reducing plaque scores, gingival inflammation, and improving periodontal healing.
Systematic Review