Nutritional supplement

A nutritional supplement is a manufactured product intended to supplement the diet when taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid. Nutritional supplements provide nutrients either extracted from food sources or synthetic, individually or in combination, in order to increase the quantity of their consumption. The class of nutrient compounds includes vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, and amino acids. Nutritional supplements can also contain substances that have not been confirmed as being essential to life, but are marketed as having a beneficial biological effect, such as plant pigments or polyphenols.

Types of Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements are categorized into several types:

• Vitamins - essential organic compounds that the human body needs in small quantities. Common examples include Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.
• Minerals - inorganic elements that are essential for various bodily functions, such as calcium for bone health and iron for blood production.
• Amino Acids - the building blocks of proteins, important for growth, repair, and normal functioning of the body.
• Fatty Acids - essential fats that the body cannot produce by itself, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
• Herbal Supplements - products made from botanicals, or plants, that are used to treat or prevent diseases or to promote health.

Regulation

The regulation of nutritional supplements varies by country. In the United States, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) defines dietary supplements as a category of food, which puts them under different regulations than drugs. They are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but are not approved by the FDA as drugs. In the European Union, supplements are regulated as foods, with the focus being on vitamins and minerals.

Health Benefits and Risks

While nutritional supplements can provide significant health benefits if used appropriately, they can also pose health risks, especially if taken in excessive amounts or in combination with other supplements or medications. It is important to consult healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications.

Market and Usage

The global market for dietary supplements has grown significantly over the past decades, driven by an increasing awareness of health and wellness among the population. Nutritional supplements are widely used across various age groups for multiple health-related purposes, from general health maintenance to specific therapeutic interventions.

See Also

• Food fortification
• Health claims on food labels
• List of dietary supplements