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Dietary Supplements Containing Phytochemicals

Jun 21, 2011 | By Natalie Stein

Phytochemicals, also called phytonutrients, or plant nutrients, are compounds which come from plants. There are a variety of phytochemicals with potential benefits, and dietary supplements can help you increase your intake if you feel that you are not getting enough from your diet. Get your doctor's approval before taking any dietary supplement, and do not use supplements as a substitute for a healthy diet.

Fiber

Fiber supplements may help prevent or alleviate constipation because they have a laxative effect, and some, such as psyllium or inulin, may lower your cholesterol, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Other phytochemical supplements to lower your cholesterol are phytosterol supplements, such as beta-sitosterol, or plant sterols in margarines.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids include alpha-carotene, which comes from tomatoes, peas and orange fruits and vegetables, beta-carotene from leafy green vegetables and orange fruits and vegetables, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are in citrus fruits, peaches and bell peppers and lycopene, a substance contained in red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and watermelon, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. A diet high in carotenoids may lower your risk for heart disease, and lycopene may help prevent prostate cancer. Your body is more efficient at converting beta-carotene into vitamin A when it is from supplements rather than food. Supplementation of carotenoids does not appear to be toxic, but be sure to consult your doctor before taking them.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids include anthocyanidins, soy isoflavones and flavanols, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. A diet high in flavonoids may lower your risk for heart disease, and flavonoid supplements include citrus bioflavonoid supplements, such as genistein, tea extracts with catechins and quercetin, a type of flavonol. Natural dietary sources of flavonoids include grapes, berries, citrus fruits, beans and peppers, and taking supplements instead of eating these foods may mean a lower intake of other nutrients that they contain, such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium.

Other Supplements

Red wine contains resveratrol, a phytochemical that may promote heart health by lowering your LDL cholesterol and reducing damage to your blood vessels, according to MayoClinic.com. Supplements can help you get enough resveratrol to benefit from its effects without drinking a toxic amount of alcohol. Isothiocyanates, which are naturally in cauliflower and broccoli, may help reduce your risk for some kinds of cancer, according to Medline Plus. Although they may not be dangerous, supplements may not be as effective as eating healthy foods.

References

Article reviewed by Tina Boyle Last updated on: Jun 21, 2011

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