In our search for good health, we tend to turn towards food supplements as a quick fix. This is not always correct as one needs to understand the different types of food supplements, their possible side effects and select the right supplement for his/her requirements. Let us try and demystify some of the questions that you may have about these dietary supplements:
1) What is a Food Supplement?
Food Supplement: A product taken orally containing isolated or synthetic nutrients in concentrated form, intended to provide nutritional support to a person who eats a well-balanced diet.
2) What type of Nutrients could be present in such Food Supplements?
There are three main categories of Nutrients — Proteins, Lipids (oils), and Carbohydrates. Protein supplements could contain either single or multiple isolated or synthetic proteins. For example, whey protein contains a high amount of lactalbumin & lactoglobulin. These are quick to absorb. Casein is also an important protein component in milk that is slow to digest. Proteins may be used as a meal replacement drink, pre/post-workout protein shakes, or just for getting extra protein into our diet. They are generally available in powder form mixed with water or milk before consumption, with the most common varieties being whey, casein, egg, soy, and rice. Whey Protein is one of the most popular forms of Protein supplement since it easily absorbs and has a high biological value.
Lipid supplements are useful for vegetarians and those who do not like to eat fats/oils in their diet as they can be taken as oil or capsule. The most common oils used as a dietary supplement include fish oil, flaxseed oil, borage seed oil, and evening primrose oil. These lipid supplements provide essential fatty acids (EFA). The most abundant dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that come from the vegetable source are omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids which are available in oils mentioned above. They play an important role in cardiovascular health. For example, Omega-3 Fatty Acids may prevent heart disease by preventing blood platelets from sticking together, causing a clot or a stroke.
Concerning Carbohydrates, they can be classified as simple sugars and complex carbohydrates. Simple sugars include monosaccharides — glucose, fructose, galactose — and disacharides — sucrose, lactose, and maltose. Complex Carbohydrates includes starches & fibers. Another type of carbohydrate called Oligosaccharide is found in legumes such as beans, lentils, etc. Those who fancy gymming could also benefit from certain supplements that improve their workout efficiency by increasing their energy level. Many of these products use minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc to help your body produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The main reason for using the dietary supplement is to increase energy in your body, so many products are available that contain caffeine and other stimulants.
In conclusion, food supplements are a good way of boosting your daily nutritional requirements. They can provide all the necessary components that our body requires daily and should be consumed as per the instructions for maximum benefits.
