Supplements are seen as a quick way to get the nutrients you need and to have control over your health. There are many common supplements which are taken for a variety of reasons. When choosing to take a supplement it is important to talk with your doctor to determine if that supplement is right for you. Also, keep in mind that supplements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and may not do what their label claims.
Calcium
Calcium is a commonly consumed dietary supplement either in its individual form or within a multivitamin. Your calcium needs will vary by age and you can get all the calcium you need from the food you eat, but some people still choose to take a supplement. When choosing a calcium supplement it is also important to ensure that you obtain enough vitamin D either from the same supplement, another supplement or from exposure to the sun. Your body requires vitamin D to absorb calcium.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to a 2007 survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics and National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the most commonly used non-vitamin or non-mineral supplement among adults in the United States was omega-3 and it was the second most commonly used among children. Supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids are often taken to reduce your risk of heart disease, treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and alleviate symptoms of some mental illnesses such as depression. The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids still remains unclear and further research has to be conducted.
St. John's Wort
One of the most commonly bought herbal supplements in the United States is St. John's Wort. This herbal supplement has been taken since ancient times to treat a number of medical conditions. St. John's Wort contains chemicals including hypericin, hyperforin and flavonoids, but how it works still remains unknown. Currently St. John's Wort is taken to treat conditions such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, infections, premenstrual syndrome, the symptoms of menopause, eczema and minor wounds. The research on the effectiveness of St. John's Wort for treating any of these conditions still remains unclear.
Garlic
Garlic is a supplement used to treat high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure and it appears to be slightly effective. Garlic is also taken by some people to reduce the risk of cancer, but its effectiveness at preventing cancer still remains unknown. Taking garlic supplements can result in bad breath, but there are some supplements available that help to reduce this unpleasant side effect.
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