Dietary supplements have become indispensable in our modern society. Research has shown that no less than 43 percent of all adults in the Netherlands use supplements with vitamins and minerals. Men use a similar amount of supplements in each age group. In the female category, intake appears to increase with age.
Use dietary supplements
When using dietary supplements, authorities advise not to take just any product. Not all supplements are necessary or effective. It is important to take professional advice seriously and to make an informed choice for this type of nutritional product. There are quite a few questions surrounding the extra intake of vitamins and minerals. Is intake necessary? Are all dietary supplements sufficiently safe? And which products are recommended or not? In this article we take a closer look at the most important questions that exist around the topic of nutritional supplements.
Does everyone need additional minerals and vitamins?
Anyone who ensures that he or she eats a sufficiently varied diet, based on the traditional Wheel of Five (introduced in 1953), in principle receives sufficient necessary nutrients to stay healthy. However, there are certain population categories that are at risk of shortages. Pregnant women, athletes, smokers, the elderly and people who spend little time in the sun are just a few examples.
Which drugs can be dangerous when combined with dietary supplements?
Persons taking medication should be careful with the intake of dietary supplements. Caution is therefore advised with certain medications. Alertness and consultation with a general practitioner is recommended for the following medicines: antidepressants, sleep medicines, immunosuppressants and various anticoagulants.
At the same time, however, there are also medicines that cause a shortage of necessary minerals and vitamins. Those who use this type of medication actually benefit from an extra intake of supplements. A well-known example is water tablets containing hydrochlorothiazide, which can lead to a deficiency of potassium and calcium. Contraceptives, prednisone and painkillers can also cause mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
Does the human body excrete a surplus of vitamins and minerals?
The human body is structured in such a way that certain excess vitamins and minerals are passed out. This applies to vitamins C and various B vitamins, such as B2, B5 and B12. These supplements are therefore not harmful when used ‘excessively’. You have to be careful with other vitamins. For example, the body stores vitamins A, D, E, B3, B6 and folic acid (B11). For this reason, a daily maximum dose has been established for these types of vitamins.
Which supplements support the resistance & which give energy?
People who are looking for food supplements that give the resistance a significant boost, should ensure sufficient intake of vitamins A, C, B6, B11 (also known as folic acid) and the well-known vitamin D. There are also various minerals that help to protect your body from the inside out against free radicals, infections and diseases. These are minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, selenium and zinc.
Supplements are also known to give the energy level a positive injection when tired. This applies to B vitamins (such as B2 or B12) or vitamin D, but also to herbs and supplements such as ginseng and magnesium. Brands such as Vitals and Vitakruid can come in handy here, with their extensive and varied range of nutritional supplements.
What symptoms indicate a vitamin and/or mineral deficiency?
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a deficiency of minerals and/or vitamins in the human body. A typical phenomenon is fatigue. But concentration problems, muscle pain and regular cold or nausea are also indicators that there is a mineral or vitamin deficiency.