Dietary supplements are substances intended to improve and complement the diet, as mentioned in MedlinePlus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. These substances come in different preparations; they can be tablets, pills, liquids or powder. Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements do not go through strict and rigorous testing standards, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration keeps them properly regulated. Taking these supplements should be done as safely as possible. With the right quantity, dietary supplements can improve health. There are several types of dietary supplements.
Vitamin Supplements
According to FamilyDoctor.org, vitamins are nutrients, which the body uses to function normally. The human body needs 13 essential vitamins, namely Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B6, B12, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and biotin. Each vitamin has a specific role and function. When the body has insufficient amounts of any of these vitamins, also known as deficiencies, it can result in health complications. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, a condition wherein the bones become soft and prone to fracture. The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balance diet with a variety of food items. Vitamin supplements can be taken daily to promote health and wellness.
Mineral Supplements
Mineral supplements are substances that play an important role in the body, as described in FamilyDoctor.org. Minerals help build bones, form cells, produce hormones and move various muscles. Minerals can either be macrominerals, which the body needs in large amounts, or trace minerals, which the body needs in small amounts. Macrominerals include calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. Trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium. Similar to vitamins, minerals are best consumed from food sources; mineral supplements can be complementary alternatives.
Botanical and Herbal Preparations
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, botanical and herbal preparations are plants or plant parts that have medicinal and therapeutic properties. To be classified as a dietary supplement, these preparations must meet the standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Botanical and herbal supplements are commonly prepared as teas, decoctions, tinctures and extracts. The action and therapeutic effect of herbal dietary supplements range from mild to potent. The safety of taking these supplements depends on factors like source, chemical composition and dose.
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