Nutrition products can supplement your diet and make up for its deficiencies. Sometimes taking nutrition products is necessary if you take medications or having conditions which may impair your body's ability to absorb or use nutrients. Sometimes, your diet makes them necessary. For example, vegetarians, especially vegans, will probably need a vitamin B12 supplement as this vitamin is only present in meat or dairy dietary sources.
FDA and USP
Nutrition products are monitored both by the Federal Drug Administration and the United States Pharmacopeia. The FDA regulates the health claims of nutrition products from a legal standpoint. It also publishes dietary guidelines to help you make good choices for your diet. The USP sets standards for over-the-counter, or OTC, nutritional products such as herbal supplements. Products which have been tested and approved by the USP bear the organization's label. You can use this as a guide for choosing supplements.
Benefits
The primary benefit of nutrition products is that they are good for your health. They help ensure that your body is getting the proper nutrients in order to function properly. Some supplements such as fish oil act as natural medications. The omega-3-fatty acids of fish oils can help lower your blood levels of triglycerides, as reported in a 2005 study published in the journal, Frontiers in Bioscience. High levels of triglycerides increase your risk for developing coronary artery disease, according to the American Heart Association.
Significance
Whether or not the claims are true, the general public has embraced the use of nutrition products and their benefits. According to a 2001 report by the Food and Drug Administration, sales of nutrition products doubled between 1994 and 2000. Americans spend billions of dollars each year seeking the good health these products promise.
Precautions
Any nutritional supplement has potential health risks. Reactions can range from simple gastrointestinal upset to a life-threatening allergic reaction. If you are taking any prescription medication, consult your doctor prior to taking any nutritional product. Some supplements can reduce the effectiveness of medications you are taking. Others can increase your risk for side effects. For example, if you are taking blood thinners, you should not take cranberry herbal supplements according to Drugs.com. You will need to research nutrition products carefully before taking any.
Examples
Some nutritional supplements are quite safe and can provide significant health benefits. Coenzyme Q10 supports your cardiovascular health. Taking a supplement can be healthful if your body is deficient in this chemical, according to Whole Health MD. Since your body does not produce omega-3-fatty acids, supplements including flaxseed oil can help provide your body with nutrients it needs. Likewise, if your diet is deficient in fruits and vegetables, a multi-vitamin rich in B complex vitamins will give you the vitamins your need.
References
- "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology"; G. Tortora and S. Reynolds Grabowski; 1996
- Federal Drug Administration: FDA Fundamentals
- United States Pharmacopeia: About USP
- "Frontiers in Bioscience"; The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids; H. Ismail; May 2005
- American Heart Association: Triglycerides
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