Effective Nutritional & Dietary Supplements

Nutritional supplements, also called dietary supplements, contain one or more nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. The USDA Dietary Guidelines emphasizes that you should obtain nutrients primarily from foods. Nonetheless, you may take supplements to increase the amount of a particular nutrient that is deficient in your diet, enhance your health, protect you from diseases or manage a health condition. Consult your doctor about the effectiveness of nutritional supplements.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin your body needs in very small quantities. Vitamin B-12 plays a significant role in the development of red blood cells and DNA and supports proper nervous system functionality. Since the vitamin is found primarily in animal products, especially in high concentrations in shellfish, you can be vulnerable to deficiencies if you are a vegan and do not eat seafood, meat and dairy. You may also have a deficiency of vitamin B-12 if you are older and have impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients. Nutritional supplements containing vitamin B-12, whether by itself or in combination with other nutrients, can help you fulfill your dietary requirements.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water soluble vitamin your body needs to stimulate your immune system and protect it from infectious diseases and synthesize collagen and norepinephrine. Collagen is a structural component of your bones, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that communicates messages between brain cells and can affect your mood. Vitamin C also is an antioxidant that protects your cells from harmful chemicals and toxins. Taking 500 mg per day of vitamin C supplements can reduce your blood levels of fat and LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, according to research by scientists at National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois and published in the "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine" in 2008.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral your body needs to make bones and teeth. It is found in dairy products, soy foods, green leafy vegetables and nuts. A dietary deficiency of calcium can increase your risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by bone loss and risk of fractures. Taking calcium supplements may help you prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D is essential for helping you absorb calcium into your body and also plays a role in bone formation. If you are deficient in vitamin D, you may benefit from taking a supplement that combines calcium with vitamin D.

Fish Oil

Fish oil contains eicosapentaneoic acid and docosahexaneoic acid, healthy fats called omega -3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements may help you reduce your blood levels of cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease. Taking fish oil supplements may also help you reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.