Many over-the counter products are available to promote health or provide nutritional benefits. These products are taken for a variety of reasons, such as weight loss, improved athletic performance and improved overall health. Always consult a health care provider prior to taking any new supplement or other nutritional product.
Types
Some of the most popular nutritional products on the market are supplements such as fish oil and multivitamins. Fish oil is one of the few supplements that has been widely studied. Multivitamins are another popular choice because they ensure people meet the dietary guidelines for most vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. Other popular nutritional products include protein bars or powders, Resveratrol--an antioxidant found naturally in red grapes, and several herbal products.
Benefits
According to the Mayo Clinic, strong evidence supports the idea that fish oil can be beneficial in lowering blood pressure, increasing good cholesterol, reducing the risk of a fatal heart attack and improving symptoms from rheumatoid arthritis. Many people also take fish oil to reduce symptoms from asthma, eczema, Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, further research is needed to prove whether or not fish oil can effectively lessen the severity of these conditions.
Multivitamins can be an effective way to ensure you reach your daily dietary recommendation for most vitamins and minerals. They are taken by people of all different ages and fitness levels. Certain multivitamins are even designed for specific groups of people, such as elderly men and women or pregnant women.
Protein supplements are generally taken by athletes looking to build muscle. "Fitness" magazine recommends protein shakes as a healthy snack after working out to replenish the body and build muscle tissue. Depending on the type of protein and the intensity of the workout, it might be beneficial to consume the supplement multiple times throughout the day as well. If you're considering a protein supplement, look for one that doesn't contain a lot of sugar or other unhealthy additives.
Fitness magazine notes that Resveratrol supplements are a popular choice for promoting heart health, increasing energy levels, boosting athletic performance and even losing weight. While Resveratrol sales continue to climb, there is not enough evidence to fully support any of these claims.
Considerations
When looking into nutritional products, it’s also important to consider natural, dietary sources. For example, if you consume fish two to three times per week along with other sources of healthy fats, a fish oil supplement may not be necessary. Often, dietary sources of vitamins, minerals and fats are more easily absorbed by the body than sources contained in supplements.
Instructions
Regardless of the type of health product you’re considering, always check the product label. Some supplements will need to be taken with food or water. The product should also include dosing instructions. Consuming too much of a certain product can be toxic, so always follow the instructions.
Warning
Supplements and most other nutritional products are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it’s always important to consult a health care provider prior to use even for something as seemingly simple as a multivitamin. Supplements can also interact with certain medications, so be sure to tell your health care provider about any existing medications you may be taking.
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