The majority of your nutritional needs should be obtained from a well-balanced, nutritious diet. However, you may want to supplement your diet in an effort to ensure adequate nutrition or to consume other nonessential nutrients that may help to prevent the occurrence of some diseases. While you should use precaution when choosing to take any type of supplement, some good health benefits can be gained from adding them to your diet.
Cardiovascular Health
Depending upon the exact supplement that you are interested in, there may be different types of targeted benefits. Supplements that are purported to promote health and prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system are vast. Vitamin E is an extremely important antioxidant that is also important and maintaining healthy blood vessels. In a review from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, or USPSTF, there is some evidence that supports a reduction in the risks associated with cardiovascular disease. There may also be some benefit to prevent cardiovascular disease when vitamin E is combined with other antioxidants, like beta-carotene and vitamin A.
Bone Health
Producing and maintaining strong bones is important for many aspects of your health, including mobility and blood cell production. Several essential nutritional supplements may promote bone growth or reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, including calcium, vitamin D and magnesium. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, or ODS, adults should be receiving 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium, 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D, and 300 to 400 mg of magnesium per day.
Immune Function
Nutrients are also required by your immune system for proper function and may be boosted by dietary supplementation. The ODS identifies vitamin B6 and selenium as two potential supplements that may help you maintain a healthy immune system. Adults should get about 55 micrograms of selenium and 1.5 mg of vitamin B6 per day.
Cancer Prevention
Dietary supplements may also help prevent serious health conditions like cancer. While research is limited, evidence suggests some essential and nonessential nutrients may be protective against cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, lycopene, selenium and vitamin D may all offer protective benefits against some forms of cancer.
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