Dietary supplement

Dietary supplements, also known as nutritional supplements, are products intended to supplement the diet. They are consumed orally and typically contain one or more dietary ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. Dietary supplements can provide nutrients either extracted from food sources or synthetic, individually or in combination, in order to increase the quantity of their consumption.

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Definition and Classification

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In accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), a dietary supplement is a product intended to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites.

Composition

Vitamins and Minerals

Dietary supplements often contain vitamins and minerals, which are essential nutrients the body requires in small amounts. While vitamins are organic compounds required by the body in small quantities, minerals are inorganic substances required for various bodily functions.

Herbs and Botanicals

Herbs and botanicals are plant-derived substances that are used in dietary supplements for their potential health benefits. These include, but are not limited to, ginseng, Echinacea, garlic, and ginkgo biloba.

Amino Acids

Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are another common ingredient in dietary supplements. Certain supplements may contain individual amino acids to support muscle building, recovery, and other health aspects.

Enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in various biochemical reactions in the body. Some dietary supplements contain enzymes that aim to support digestive health and nutrient absorption.

Uses and Health Benefits

Dietary supplements are typically used to ensure that the body gets adequate amounts of essential nutrients. However, they can also be used to address specific health issues, such as bone health (calcium and vitamin D supplements), eye health (lutein and zeaxanthin supplements), and heart health (omega-3 fatty acid supplements).

Please note, dietary supplements are not intended to replace a balanced diet and should not be used to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases unless recommended by a healthcare provider.

Safety and Regulation

In many countries, dietary supplements are regulated as foods rather than drugs. This means they do not have to meet the same standards for efficacy, safety, and manufacturing. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing and using dietary supplements, as their safety and effectiveness can vary widely.

References

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