Dietary supplements
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements (/ˈdaɪətɛri ˈsʌplɪmənts/) are substances you might use to add nutrients to your diet or to lower your risk of health problems, like osteoporosis or arthritis. Dietary supplements come in the form of pills, capsules, powders, gel tabs, extracts, or liquids.
Etymology
The term "dietary supplement" is derived from the words "diet" which comes from the Greek word "diaita" meaning "way of life", and "supplement" which originates from the Latin word "supplementum" meaning "something added".
Types of Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. Some of these supplements help ensure that you get enough of vital substances the body needs to function; others may help reduce the risk of disease.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy life. There are 13 essential vitamins that the body needs to function properly, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins.
Minerals
Minerals are elements on the earth and in foods that our bodies need to develop and function normally. These essential nutrients include calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc.
Herbs
Herbs are plants with savory or aromatic properties that are used for flavoring and garnishing food, medicinal purposes, or for fragrances.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. They are essential for the body's normal functioning.
Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body.
Risks and Regulation
While dietary supplements can contribute to overall health, they can also pose risks, especially when taken in excessive amounts, or in combination with other supplements or medications. In many countries, dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or similar organizations to ensure their safety and efficacy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dietary supplements
- Wikipedia's article - Dietary supplements
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