Synopsis
Get a straightforward guide to choosing the right supplements, understanding essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, figuring out the correct dosage, and identifying trustworthy brands for your health needs.
Want to know how to choose the right nutritional supplements for you? Need to understand the facts about them? Then follow this article:
How to Choose Nutritional Supplements
Choosing nutritional supplements should be based on the following:
1. Determine the Purpose of Nutritional Supplements
To begin with, you need to determine what types of nutritional supplements are right for you. You should know why you’re taking them. Some people want to take them for better overall health, while others want to reduce feelings of stress after eating delicious meals.
Knowing the purpose of nutritional supplements makes it easier to choose them. A doctor can also prescribe specific nutritional supplements for each purpose.
2. Understanding the Main Groups of Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements aren’t just one group, but are divided into three groups, as follows:
Multivitamin Supplements
It’s best to choose multivitamin supplements tailored for men, as men’s needs for vitamins are very high, so taking them more than women is recommended.
It’s better to choose multivitamin supplements that contain all vitamins from group B in reasonable amounts, not exceeding 30 mg. You can also choose other types of vitamins.
Minerals
Nutritional supplements of minerals should be of good quality, because an excess in the body can lead to many health problems, some of which are serious.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are very important nutritional supplements because they are rich in antioxidants that protect the body from harmful free radicals that cause many health problems, including cancer.
3. Know the Amount of Nutrients in Each Serving
Knowing the amount of nutrients in a serving of a nutritional supplement depends on the type and quantity of the product.
If the products contain a small amount of nutrients, it’s advisable to take two servings of them daily. But products that contain a high amount of nutrients, you can take one serving of them per day. It’s not recommended to exceed the specified amount, according to the American Heart Association.
4. Consulting a Pharmacist
You should consult a pharmacist, and you can trust them when you need help choosing the right nutritional supplement. They can also point out the important differences between different products based on their expertise.
Pharmacists usually offer some advice on how to identify products that contain natural vitamins rather than synthetic ones, so it’s a good idea to listen to them.
Tips When Choosing Nutritional Supplements
Here are some tips you should know when choosing nutritional supplements to avoid any harm:
1. Check the Expiry Date of the Product You Want to Buy
Nutritional supplements may lose some of their potency over time, so it’s advisable to choose a product that is still valid for the longest possible period. Avoid buying supplements whose expiry date is close to the purchase date.
2. Avoid Choosing Nutritional Supplements That Include the Word “Mega”
The word “Mega” means that the nutritional supplement has a high concentration and can cause side effects. If you don’t have a doctor’s prescription to take these supplements, you should avoid them.
It’s worth mentioning that in some cases, the use of vitamins can lead to serious harm. Therefore, you should choose a nutritional supplement that does not contain a larger amount than your daily needs.
3. Check the Price
There should be a balance between quality and price. If the price is too high, the quality will be better.
4. Deal with Reputable Companies
Reputable companies specializing in herbs and nutritional supplements are the best and most reliable companies. These companies are well-known and have a good reputation, so you get high-quality products.
Are Nutritional Supplements Harmful to the Body?
Yes, taking nutritional supplements without the body’s need for them is mostly harmful, especially types that are not excreted in the urine, but remain accumulated in the body, leading to many diseases.
FAQ About Nutritional Supplements
Q: Are all nutritional supplements created equal?
A: No, the quality and effectiveness of nutritional supplements can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, ingredients, and dosages.
Q: Can I get all the nutrients I need from food alone?
A: While a balanced diet is ideal, some individuals may have difficulty obtaining all necessary nutrients from food alone due to dietary restrictions, health conditions, or lifestyle factors.
Myth About Nutritional Supplements
Myth: More is always better when it comes to supplements.
A: Taking excessive amounts of certain supplements can lead to adverse effects and potential health risks. It’s important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional.
