Four Things You Don’t Know About Dietary Supplements

If you’re trying to overhaul your diet and get some more essential nutrients into your body, you might be tempted to look into dietary supplements. There are undoubtedly some benefits to this; supplements can give you an extra boost in the micronutrients department, which is a big help if you have a deficiency; they can help with conditions such as anemia; and they can improve your performance in exercise. But how much do you actually know about dietary supplements? To help you make an informed decision, here are a few things you might not know about dietary supplements, both good and bad. Always consult your doctor before you decide to add a supplement to your usual diet.

There are unexpected benefits

All supplements, if taken correctly, have additional benefits. People who exercise regularly are probably already aware that taking protein shakes after exercise can help rebuild the muscle tissue that you’ve broken down during your workouts. Protein can also reduce hunger and keep you away from snacks. Those who suffer from bone loss might benefit from a calcium supplement, and there is AlgaeCal Plant Calcium Clinical Evidence to support that this plant has a greater effect on strengthening bones than most common calcium salts. Studies have also shown that women who take calcium supplements experience a reduction in the mood and symptoms associated with PMS. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and boost cardiac function, but it can also give you amazing skin.

There’s a recommended dosage for a reason

You might think that, because the pills contain essential nutrients, they might not be dangerous if you take an extra Vitamin in the morning. Big mistake. In excessive dosages, some supplements are toxic. Vitamin A toxicity can cause liver damage, blurred vision, headaches, bone pain and swelling, drowsiness and nausea. High doses of Vitamin C can cause nausea and diarrhea.

Most problems can be solved with a balanced diet

If you’re already eating a well-balanced diet, then supplements aren’t really going to do much for you. Vitamins and other dietary supplements are not intended to replace food (hence the name “supplements”) so they cannot fulfill all the requirements of whole foods. If your doctor is concerned about some nutritional deficiencies, then the first thing you should do is make some adjustments to your diet. After all, a steak and steamed vegetable dinner will be more delicious than an iron supplement pill.

Vitamins are not required to undergo safety before they’re sold

Dietary supplement manufacturers in the United State don’t have to state that the use of their products are safe or effective. That’s not to say all supplements are not safe; it’s just to say that the companies that make them don’t have to show evidence of their safety before they go to market. The supplements to watch out for are the ones that can also interact with medications, causing unwanted side effects and decreasing the efficacy of the medicine, so you should check with your doctor before taking them.