Who are dietary supplements suitable for? -Gogo Herbs

In order to maintain good health and improve overall quality, many people often take nutritional supplements. However,dietary supplementsWhat is it? Who should take it? Will dietary supplements become an indispensable nutritional supplement for modern people?

What are dietary supplements?

Dietary supplements, also called dietary or nutritional supplements, are products containing different vitamins,minerals, fatty acids, phytochemicals or antioxidants, etc., in pills, capsules, tablets, powders or liquids designed to enrich or help supplement our diet to ensure we get the nutrients we need. Given modern eating habits and some groups that may be at risk of malnutrition, there are indeed good reasons to take nutritional supplements.

Why are dietary supplements important?

In a 2004 study, researchers looked at nutritional data on 1950 different types of fruits and vegetables between 1999 and 43 and found that protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin C "reliably declined" in the fruits and vegetables grown. The researchers attribute this loss to modern agricultural practices, which focus more on greater investment returns and yields rather than food nutrition. This isn’t to say that fruits and vegetables aren’t nutritious at all, it’s just that their nutritional value has decreased over the past few decades, which means it may become more difficult to meet our nutritional needs through food alone.

Several studies conducted in Europe have shown low nutrient intakes across gender and age groups across Europe. This research also helps identify different populations at risk for low intake.

Additionally, our lifestyle choices and environment can impact our ability to absorb and maintain optimal nutrient levels. For example, drinking alcohol depletes B vitamins, vitamin C, various minerals and antioxidants, while pollution, toxins and smoking reduce our antioxidant levels.

Who Should Take Dietary Supplements?

While many people can benefit from taking dietary supplements, there are some people who should consider taking them if they are not already doing so. It is best to consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

Vegetarians: Vitamin B-12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and normal brain function. It is possible for vegetarians to be deficient in vitamin B-12 because it is not a vitamin we produce naturally, but rather comes from animals. Vegans should take B-12 supplements and strive to consume fortified foods containing B-12, such as fortified nut milks, cereals, and nutritional yeast flakes.
People over 50: After age 50, it is difficult for people to absorb vitamin B-12. Vitamin D and folic acid are also important, especially for women. Those over 50 should be careful to take a daily multivitamin to make sure it contains these vitamins.
Women of childbearing age, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers: Folic acid and iron are two essential vitamins for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Folic acid is essential for children's growth, and doctors sometimes give folic acid supplements to pregnant women. Folic acid helps the growth of the baby's neural tube. Women are also at higher risk of iron deficiency than men because women need more iron. Iron is essential for blood development, and low iron levels can lead to severe fatigue and muscle weakness.
Children under five years old: Children need large amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D for normal development. While a well-rounded diet can often provide children with these nutrients, children are often picky eaters, making them more likely to not get enough of the nutrients they need.
People who lack sunlight: Most people don’t get enoughVitamin D. We get vitamin D from sunlight, but even people who live in sunny areas are at risk with our modern lifestyle, since many of us spend much of our time indoors.

Consult your doctor today about which supplements are appropriate for your gender and age to help you achieve optimal health.