Supplement Overview: The Good And The Bad

As a supplement overview, a dietary supplement is formally described as a product consumed orally that carries ingredients meant to accompany a diet. The ingredients may comprise of minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, herbs or other botanical matter, metabolites, organ tissues and glandulars. The products may also be concentrates or extracts, and may be available in several forms like capsules, tablets, gelcaps, softgels, powders or liquids. This supplement overview will further explain the many aspects of supplementation.

 

Supplement Overview

 

Some vitamin supplements are referred to as multivitamins, which offer a range of vitamins and other minerals in a single dosage. Others are “specialty” supplements that target specific concerns like heart and bone health. Usually, the daily dose will provide a suggested value of several major vitamins and some other rarely known vitamins.

 

While supplements generally don't have that instant effect that many prescription drugs have, they are observed to be quite effective at preventing or even slowing down a wide range of health conditions in the long term while not causing chronic drug use and side effects. They may be taken along with other prescribed drugs but since each individual has very specific needs, one must take great precaution and seek the advice of his or her doctor first.

 

A Supplement Overview Of “Good” Products

 

More supplements now come with all-natural ingredients because of the shift in consumer views. There's the idea that “natural” poses no harsh effects. Humans have survived on nutrients found in natural sources for such a long time, the only difference being that a product can enhance the benefits further. This is made possible by incorporating a wide range of nutrients as well as carefully choosing each ingredient so that they all work together in synergy for optimum health benefits.

 

Quality supplements also often contain antioxidants, which fight against free radical damage. Free radicals naturally occur in our bodies due to oxidation. To understand how this works, you can observe a sliced avocado or peeled potato. If you leave it exposed to the air for awhile, you'll notice that it will turn brown or a blackish color - that is what happens in the process of oxidation. Similarly in humans, damage is done at a cellular level. The result is aging and the conditions accompanied by it.

 

Another quality ingredient are natural anti-inflammatory agents. Chronic inflammation was once thought as an inevitable occurrence as we age. With scientific advancements  however, inflammation is supposed to be treatable. Turmeric and curcumin are both known as some of the best natural anti-inflammatory agents.

 

Finally, there's no use of all these nutrients if not much will be absorbed into the body. Good supplements will use enteric coating to prevent nutrients from disintegrating in the stomach before reaching the small intestine and bloodstream.

 

A Supplement Overview Of The “Bad”

 

What you may not be aware of is many low-grade supplements utilize the synthetic forms of many sources such as vitamins E and K. These synthetic vitamins come from petrochemicals, which derive from crude oil! Many scientists believe that regular exposure and intake of petrochemicals may lead to comparatively rare forms of cancer. Some supplements are made with synthetic ingredients because they don't cost a lot.

Next, some supplements don't carry the reduced form of L-glutathione since it is expensive. However, you won't be getting real benefits if you go for these kinds of supplement. Other quality antioxidants are L-carnosine, lutein, resveratrol, green tea extract and bilberry extract.

 

Another problem is bioavailability. As mentioned earlier, some nutrients will not actually make it into your bloodstream. Supplements with no enteric coating are almost useless and a waste of money even if they cost less upfront.

 

Hopefully, this supplement overview will help you make informed decisions when choosing dietary supplements. Specific ingredients do make a world of difference. Use this simple guideline to start making healthy choices.