Health and nutrition is big business these days. Supermarket nutrition aisles seem to expand regularly, with more and more supplements crowding the shelves, and it's tough to turn on the television without seeing an ad for a new food product with added vitamins or minerals. It's enough to make a health-conscious consumer wonder if it's better to choose fortified food products -- often called "functional foods" -- for added nutrition, or take nutritional supplements instead.
What Are Functional Foods?
The term "functional foods" refers to items you probably see every time you visit the grocery store -- calcium-fortified orange juice, for example, or margarines with added omega-3 fatty acids. In essence, functional foods are manufactured food products with added nutrients designed to provide extra health benefits. Functional foods seem to be especially appealing to many shoppers. In fact, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, functional foods are one of the fastest growing segments of the food industry.
What About Supplements?
In contrast, supplements are not foods in and of themselves, but are generally capsules or tablets of particular vitamins, minerals, herbs or other nutrients, taken to supplement the food you eat. MayoClinic.com states that dietary supplements are not as healthy as whole foods when it comes to providing nutrients, because actual foods contain numerous important micronutrients that supplements cannot provide. However, if you are unable to eat a varied, balanced and healthy diet, supplements may be a good way to fill any nutritional gaps.
Which Are Healthier?
When weighing the benefits of functional foods vs. supplements, keep in mind that there's no "one size fits all" answer about which is healthier. Depending on your diet, health, relevant medical conditions and personal tastes, either one could be a good choice for you -- as could none at all, if you already eat a healthy diet of unfortified foods. The American Council on Science and Health also notes that, despite health claims, functional foods are not guaranteed to improve your medical conditions or help you live longer. The same could be said for supplements. Functional foods and supplements may be helpful to some individuals but have minimal effects for others.
Safety Considerations
Many dietary supplements and functional foods are considered generally safe for many people. However, if you are considering taking supplements or adding functional foods to your diet, it's best to consult your physician first. Supplements and fortified foods could cause adverse side effects or medication interactions for some people. Your doctor can evaluate your health, diet and medical status and provide recommendations regarding your need, if any, for such added nutrients and fortified foods.
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