Do you need nutritional supplements?
The supply of vitamins and minerals is vital to us. Some people take dietary supplements in order to stock up sufficiently. But are such preparations really necessary?
No question: vitamins and minerals are important to us. But the truth is, dietary supplements have no proven benefit for healthy people who eat anything remotely balanced, says a recent report Message from Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Hardly anyone needs such preparations
“As long as the nutrition If a person falls within the broad range of what medical professionals consider balanced, they are unlikely to benefit from supplements.”says Dr. David Seres, Director of Medical Nutrition at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a leading expert on the topic.
Of course some people have nutritional deficiencies. And people with certain diseases are at high risk for malnutrition. These people work with their doctors to determine what they should take to improve their health. The rest of us, the majority, don’t need supplements.
“It’s human nature to try to have some control over one’s own health to have”says Seres. “But most people will never have a reason to need a dietary supplement. Point.”
Side effects of dietary supplements
In addition, taking such preparations can sometimes be harmful to health. The US Food and Drug Administration received more than 15,000 reports between 2004 and 2013 health problems related to dietary supplements, including 339 deaths and nearly 4,000 hospitalizations.
Since then, numerous other dietary supplements have come onto the market. In this country, health-related advertising claims be approved by the EU for such preparations.
Most of the funds that are on sale have not been tested, so manufacturers do Declarations such as “supports heart health” or “is designed to boost immunity”.
“Sentences like these are what makes dietary supplements really confusing for consumers”says Seres. “A claim like this is often loosely based on the fact that there would be a problem if someone defect would have.” However, if there is no deficiency and such a preparation provides additional doses, then this can become dangerous.
“Not tested like drugs”
“Most supplements have no effect”, says Seres. “At best, they are one waste of money. But some can make you very sick.”
The expert addresses green tea extract as a dietary supplement, which is associated with known harm. Substances in green tea are known to block the absorption of fat, so green tea supplements are used as an aid to weight loss Applied.
“If you drink green tea all day, you take in fewer calories. But green tea supplements containing a large dose have been linked to several cases of liver failure that required a transplant”explains Seres.
“Because dietary supplements aren’t tested like drugs, we don’t know if they’re harmful until something bad happens”says Seres.
If necessary, seek medical advice
Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your health or think you may have a nutrient deficiency. blood tests can identify defects. If you are concerned that your diet is not balanced, consult a registered dietitian or registered dietitian. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.