Health Supplements are supplements designed to provide health benefits in ways not possible through natural foods. A health supplement is generally a manufactured item intended to supplement one’s daily diet by providing a pill, capsule, powder, or drink. Health supplements can give nutrients either naturally extracted from plants or that are synthetic to increase the amount of the intake.
Health Supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All health supplements must contain a labeling indicating that they are “prescribed” or “over-the-counter” (OTC). Health supplements must also have the seal of the National Institute of Health (NIH), which certifies that the ingredients are safe for use. Some health supplements can be replaced with prescribed medications, but the FDA does not regulate those practices.
Health supplements can be sold locally, via the telephone, over the Internet, and at healthcare outlets such as pharmacies and health clubs. Health products sold locally usually have the same ingredients as those sold nationally. Those sold over the Internet may have different ingredients and may be sold OTC. Online health supplements can also be ordered by phone. Some online health supplements are sold through catalogs, emails, and by phone.
There are several forms of Health Supplements. Some Health Supplements are over the counter, meaning that a doctor or pharmacist may recommend the item. Over-the-counter Health Supplements have fewer regulations than those sold in a pharmacy. Common ingredients in over-the-counter Health Supplements include vitamin E, essential fatty acids, probiotics, minerals, and herbal extracts. In addition, certain Health Supplements can be sold as dietary aids or as nutritional aids. A dietary supplement may contain only vitamins and minerals or may contain herbs or spices.
Dietary supplements are another type of Health Supplements. They are generally recommended by doctors and often carry a FDA seal of approval. Dietary supplements are more concentrated and are intended for use by a specific person. Health food stores typically carry only dietary supplements. The majority of dietary supplements come in tablets, capsules, and liquids. Health food stores can also sell other health products, such as vitamins and natural herbs.
An example of a Health Supplement is the multivitamin. The ingredients of a typical multivitamin include iron, calcium, riboflavin, folic acid, magnesium, and selenium. Some vitamins and dietary supplements have additional antioxidants and/or antimicrobials. Common antioxidant ingredients include vitamin C, beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, and selenium. Antimicrobial ingredients may include erythromycin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole.
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, dietary supplements may also contain extras. These extra ingredients include fiber, minerals, herbal extracts, probiotics, enzymes, and other vitamins and minerals that may be classified as “supplements.” There is very little regulation of dietary supplements. Generally, they are sold as is, unless a doctor prescribes something differently.
While most health supplements are safe and effective, there are some important facts to consider before purchasing a supplement. First, do your research! Read the ingredients and the list of acceptable products. You can find out what the government, drug, and medical associations consider to be safe and effective. If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid any health supplement that contains caffeine or aspirin. Also, keep in mind that not all supplements will work for every person and that you should check with your doctor if you are having symptoms that seem to be due to a lack of an important nutrient.
If you have any questions or are not sure about a health supplement, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health professionals in your area. They may be able to help you with questions or point you in the right direction. If you are thinking of buying a health supplement product, visit a website that provides information and product reviews for more information. Remember that just because a product is “natural” or “herbal” does not mean it is necessarily safe. Only your doctor can make this determination.
Some people find health supplements useful for weight loss. There are some health supplements on the market that have the added benefit of supporting weight loss efforts. These supplements usually feature some combination of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are known to support healthy appetite, increase the metabolism, and enhance the burn of calories and fat. These supplements can be useful for losing a few pounds, but they do not work for a long-term weight loss solution. For this type of solution you will want a multi-ingredient approach that includes nutrition and exercise.
Health supplements are typically sold in the form of either pills or powder. Health supplements that are sold in powdered form should not be consumed while pregnant or breast feeding. Also, powders are not recommended for children below 12 years of age. The best way to purchase health supplements is through the internet. Online retailers sell a variety of supplements at lower prices than traditional health food stores.
If you liked this content, check out Probiotics