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The Benefits of Dietary Supplements
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Thursday, 06 April, 2023, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Aanan Khurma
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“When it comes to dietary supplements, I have always been confused. Should I take a daily multivitamin, and eat a protein-rich diet with eggs, milk, and chicken? Or should I simply choose to scoop 25-30g of protein powder once a day?” If you’re someone struggling with the same dilemma, you’re not alone!
Whether or not dietary supplements are necessary for the general population is a source of debate.
Nonetheless, there has been an increased shift towards health and nutrition, especially post the pandemic. People are more health-conscious and have started giving less importance to medicinal treatments which mostly yield short-term results. Rather, they have started focusing their attention on long-term wellness and well-being. It is fairly common to take a daily dose of vitamin C to boost our immunity, or consume a vitamin D soft gel to strengthen bones.
The new perception of people towards their health has drastically changed. This will help in the surge of the nutraceutical market growth in the future as well.
According to a market analysis report in Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods, the global dietary supplements market size was valued at US$151.9 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2022 to 2030.
Not only this, but in 2022 itself, only the Dietary Supplement industry of India has reached Rs 436.5 billion.
However, all this comes down to whether supplements are beneficial for the human body. Are there any benefits of dietary supplements for the human body or is it just a marketing gimmick? Moreover, is it safe to consume dietary supplements?
Our lifestyle and eating habits lead to a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, and thus, essential nutrients. This affects our bodies' ability to function properly. As a result, it is common to suffer from deficiencies. In order to provide better nutrition and immunity, dietary supplements work wonders, provided you are taking supplements alongside a balanced diet.
Dietary Supplements will only assist your body in replenishing the necessary amount of dietary nutrients that it requires every day. Consumption of supplements, in moderation, is not detrimental to health and thus is favoured by many individuals.
So, what are the benefits of Dietary Supplements?
Not all dietary supplements are created equal. There is a very apparent reason and evident reason why supplements are so popular: most of them actually work!
Here are some major benefits that one can obtain from dietary supplements:
Dietary Supplements can benefit your overall well-being with little to no risk. Many health supplements aim at targeting your day-to-day physical and mental well-being. A very common example can be vitamins, especially, vitamin B-complex.
Supplements help you address health issues. It is common to see consumption of calcium and vitamin D in early to middle adulthood for bone health. This helps in increasing the amount of calcium and vitamin D in your nutrition regime.
Dietary Supplements can work as a preventive measure. This is most commonly seen in athletes and sportsperson. Protein powders, amino acids, and omega-3 fish oil supplements are made a part of their nutrition regime well before time. This helps in preventing injuries or long-term illness while promoting muscle recovery and growth.
Supplements are an easy way to meet increased nutrition demands— such as for pregnant women. Pregnant people are often advised to increase their intake of folic acid and iron. This can be achieved through dietary supplements.
Dietary supplements help you combat the risk of a Specific Deficiency. In the case of chronic gut issues, an individual is always at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Supplements help treat these possible deficiencies.
Supplements can be very handy when it comes to boosting immunity and fighting infections. In today's world, we are exposed to so many free radicals. Supplements add enough antioxidants to your diet to fight these free radicals and help you stay away from flu and infections.
Dietary Supplements are your go-to when you follow a “diet”. If you follow any diet that removes certain food groups and adds restrictions, supplementing your diet becomes a necessity.
While there are so many benefits of dietary supplements, it is equally important to be cautious when consuming them.
What to “keep in mind” while choosing a supplement?
Supplements are not always safe and necessary. In most cases, dietary supplements pose no health risk to an individual. However, with endless dietary supplements available in the market today, it is important to select the one that is both safe and adds to your health.
Do read the nutritional label when buying your supplement.
Do not overuse or cross the daily recommended dosage. It is always best to consult a health practitioner.
Do not completely depend on supplements. Supplements as the name suggests -are only for supplementing your regular diet.
In case of any medical history, allergy, or ongoing medicines, do not take the supplement without consultation.
Most importantly, do not take a dietary supplement because “someone” told you, always define your goals and needs first.
(The author is co-founder and CEO of Wellversed)
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