In India, dietary supplements are considered as a bane. Yes, there are some conditions for consuming them but if a nutritionist or physician recommends it then it is not a bane. Many types of research have proven that in India people are afraid of consuming dietary supplements.

Supplements definition

Food supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients taken as a dietary top-up. They include fish oils, which have been shown to benefit heart health, minerals like iron to help prevent anemia; whey protein, which is widely used in the fitness industry, and a whole list of vitamins from A to K.

The Dietary Supplements Label

Products sold as dietary supplements come with a supplement facts label that lists the active ingredients. The amount per serving (dose), as well as other ingredients such as fillers, binders, and flavorings.

The manufacturer suggests the serving size, but your healthcare provider might decide a different amount which is more appropriate for you.

Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements

Some dietary supplements can help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients if you are not able to get them from just any normal food sources depending upon your goals of daily diet plan. However, supplements can’t take the place of the variety of foods that are important for a healthy diet that’s why they are just a supplement source and not our main source of nutrients.

Some dietary supplements can improve overall health and help manage some health conditions. For example:-

  • Calcium and Vitamin D helps in keeping bones strong and reduces bone loss.
  • Folic Acid decreases the risk of certain birth defects.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils might help some people with heart disease.
  • A combination of vitamin C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin (known as AREDS) may slow down further vision loss in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
  • Whey protein is the best and healthiest source to put on muscle mass with proper diet having a decent amount by food sources also with a hardcore workout of at least 50-55 minutes.
  • Creatine is the natural food supplement which hydrates your muscle and gives you a good strength for training and lifting heavyweights.
dietary-supplements-defination

Why Do People Take Food Supplements?

All women of childbearing age (who are sexually active) should take the recommended dosage of the folic acid supplement daily to prevent birth defects such as Spina Bifida in the baby. Many pregnancies are unplanned so it is important that women take folic acid even if they are using contraceptives.

In certain circumstances, your doctor may advise you to take a food supplement. Ex- supplements may be needed for fragile bones and sometimes older people may have difficulty absorbing the nutrients they need from food and need to take extra in supplement form.

Generally, you do not need to take food supplements if you are a healthy person and do not performs any hardcore physical activity. That means a diet that contains a variety of foods such as starchy foods (preferably whole grain), fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, lean meat, fish, eggs, lentils, and seeds.

Ignoring the variety of foods and consuming too many supplements instead of a variety of foods can be harmful in the long run.

Is It Good To Take Food Supplements?

Generally, you do not need to take food supplements if you are healthy and eat a normal balanced diet.

Too much of certain supplements can be harmful and cause unwanted side effects. But if you have any fitness goals then it is obvious that you have to be more conscious about your diet. Then it becomes very difficult to achieve a fitness goal just by a variety of foods.

So, supplements are good for them who are physically very active and wants to improve their physique. Always remember, supplements are secondary sources, you have to focus more on your physical activity and variety of nutritious foods. Supplements are just add-ons.

dietary supplements-nutrients

Are Steroids And Dietary Supplements the same?

No, as you may have perused above there is an enormous contrast between the two. Enhancements are commonly sound for an ordinary individual or a competitor. Anyway safeguard and medicinal counsel ought to be looked for before utilizing them.

Supplements are the concentrated sources of nutrients extracted from natural foods for example whey protein is extracted from milk.


Also, dietary supplements don’t have any major side effects, they are free to use without any confusing thought.

On the opposite side, steroids represent a potential hazard to your well-being and ought to be maintained a strategic distance from no matter what.
They are always a drug derivative which is developed with the help of chemical or biological reactions. They are not safe for fitness purposes.

YES, dietary supplements are totally safe to consume but their recommended dosage should be followed accordingly.

Don’t depend on the Dietary Supplements itself, try to maintain a balance between a variety of natural foods and food supplements. Add a hardcore workout to your lifestyle to improve your health and fitness.

REMEMBER, YOUR BODY IS YOUR PERMANENT ADDRESS. EVERYTHING WILL LEAVE YOU BUT YOUR BODY WILL ALWAYS STAY WITH YOU. SO, DO CARE OF IT.

I hope you like the information shared by me, do share with your friends.

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Sooraj Prakash

I'm into fitness since 2013. CFN certified nutritionist. Stay healthy to grow yourself physically and mentally.
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Sooraj Prakash

Sooraj Prakash

I'm into fitness since 2013. CFN certified nutritionist. Stay healthy to grow yourself physically and mentally.

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