Food supplements introduction.
The proper way for all of us to obtain the essential nutrients, such as vitamins, fiber and essential minerals is to follow a healthy, balanced diet that includes a wide range  of foods. Although this would be ideal, for many people is not feasible, especially for populations living in urban areas. Stressful lifestyle and limited free time prevent cooking at home, choosing and eating food of a proper quality and variety. The number of people who have to rely upon pre-made food and microwave cooking is increasing dramatically in the Western World. On the other hand, a healthy diet is the last thing that can be achieved with pre-cooked and fast food preparations. In fact, the amounts of vitamins and minerals contained are far less the appropriate levels or they do not exist at all. In this case, food supplements come to cover this gap.
A food supplement is, typically, a nutrient taken separately or added into a foodstuff which, otherwise, would not contain that nutrient. In general, the term refers to those additives which are considered to be beneficial for health, growth or wellbeing.
Individual factors and facts will determine if any food supplement is needed end what this must be. Such factors or facts can be gender, age, risks for certain medical conditions, pregnancy, medical history and deficiencies. Standard vitamin and mineral tablets are considered risk-free, if taken, according to recommendations.
In our website, when we examine products containing natural or synthetic substances, we classify them in two categories; the herbal remedies and food supplements. The products included in the first group are related to treatment, whereas those in the second group have to do with prevention. Of course, some preparations could be included in both groups, according to their properties.
Below, you will be guided to find information about vitamins, minerals and other food supplements. The only thing you have to do is to click the link you prefer at the bottom of the page.
Important definitions and explanations about nutrients.
 Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) are the minimum daily dietary intake amounts of a nutrient that are considered to be marginally sufficient, in order to meet the minimal requirements for the majority of healthy individuals. The recommended daily uptake depends on the age and gender. The RDAs have been established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the USA National Academy of Sciences.
Dietary reference intake (DRI) is a set of guidelines established in 1997 to give more detailed guidance than the RDA system by adding the following three new measurements.
Adequate intake (AI). This applies to cases, where no RDA has been specified.
Estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake (ESADDI). This parameter is expected to satisfy the average nutritional needs for a part of the public of a particular range of age.
Tolerable upper intake levels (UL). This figure determines the highest safe intake levels for a nutrient. Beyond this point, there is an increased risk for toxicity.
General recommendations for nutritional supplementation.
Zinc supplementation should always be combined with copper intake.
For better acceptance and absorption within the gastrointestinal track, supplements must be taken just before or during meals.
A large daily dosage should be divided in two, three or four equal doses.
Vitamin A supplements must always be accompanied with vitamin C and vitamin E similar products, especially in smokers.
Supplementation for coenzyme Q10 and vitamins A, D and E should never exceed the recommended daily dose, because the above nutrients are fat-soluble, can accumulate and lead to toxicity.
Every individual uptake of vitamin B is recommended to be followed by the use of a vitamin B complex, in order to maintain the equilibrium of other vitamins of this family. |
