Herbs, vitamins, and minerals are all dietary supplements that your doctor may recommend that you take. You may decide to take these in hopes that they will assuage some of the symptoms of a chronic illness, or simply to supplement your current diet and energy needs. Each of these types of supplements carries its own nutrition advantages and possible treatments or prevention of common ailments. However, don't experiment with herbs and other supplements without your doctor's approval.
Herbs
Many herbs have properties that can help you to maintain optimum health levels. For instance, "Fitness" magazine states that the herb rosemary stops gene mutations that can lead to cancer and may also prevent damage to the blood vessels that raise the risk of a heart attack. "Fitness" magazine also states that garlic is said to interfere with cancer and tumor cells, and paprika contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may lower the risk of cancer. In a study published by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that antioxidant compounds in flax seed, licorice root, and green tea may protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation or even fight tumors and viruses.
Vitamins
According to MedlinePlus, there are 13 essential vitamins the body needs to function properly: vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-12, biotin, pantothenic acid, and folic acid. These are used by the body for various functions, including building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, repairing soft tissue and even making new blood cells. Vitamins are classified as either fat- or water-soluble, and some allow the body to better absorb and utilize minerals in the diet.
Minerals
You need six important minerals, according to TeensHealth. The first is calcium, which is important in building strong bones and teeth. Iron allows your red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, and magnesium plays a part in building proteins. Phosphorus is important in creating energy for the body, and potassium moderates water balances between body tissues and the blood. The sixth mineral, zinc, is a vital mineral that helps boost the body's immunity and ability to heal.
Regulation
Dietary supplements and their contents are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, there can be added contaminants in the product, and the product may not contain any of the substance that it is being promoted to contain. The FDA states that dietary supplements are governed by a different set of rules than prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. In fact, the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, or DSHEA, states that the manufacturer of the dietary supplement is responsible for the product's safety before it is marketed.
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