Food supplements can usefully supplement a healthy diet, but not replace it. You should not expect miracle cures and should consult a doctor before taking them, especially if you have certain illnesses or are taking medication.
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Dietary supplements - Further information
Food supplements are over-the-counter products that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or other substances intended to supplement the diet. They are available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, liquids and bars.
What types of dietary supplements are there?
There are a variety of dietary supplements, each containing different nutrients or active ingredients. The most common types include:
- Vitamins and minerals:
These are important for many different bodily functions, such as energy production, the immune system and bone and tooth health. - Herbs and plant extracts:
These have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are thought to provide a variety of health benefits, such as relieving stress, improving digestion and boosting the immune system. - Omega-3 fatty acids:
These are important for heart and brain health. They are found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, but many people also take them as supplements. - Probiotics:
These are live bacteria found in the gut and are thought to support gut health. - Exogenous ketones:
These are a type of ketone body that can be used by the body as an energy source. They are often used by people on a ketogenic diet.
When are dietary supplements useful?
In some cases, food supplements can be useful to compensate for a nutrient deficiency or to support health. This may be the case, for example, for
- People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet:
These people may have an increased risk of being deficient in vitamin B12, iron or zinc. - Pregnant and breastfeeding women:
These women have an increased need for certain nutrients, such as folic acid, iron and calcium. - Older people:
The absorption of nutrients can decrease with age, so supplements can help to meet requirements. - People with certain conditions:
People with certain conditions, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, may have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients from food. In these cases, dietary supplements can help to meet nutrient requirements.
Exogenous ketones:
Exogenous ketones are a relatively new type of dietary supplement. They are often used by people on a ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. When the body can no longer use carbohydrates as an energy source, it begins to produce ketones from fat instead. Ketones can be used by the brain and other tissues as an energy source.
Exogenous ketones can accelerate the onset of ketosis and reduce the side effects associated with the keto diet. They can also improve mental performance and athletic performance.
- However, it is important to note that research on exogenous ketones is still in its infancy.
More studies are needed to determine the long-term effects and safety of these supplements. - In general, supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet.
The best way to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs is to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. - You should always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
This is especially important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.
Further information:
- https://www.bvl.bund.de/DE/Arbeitsbereiche/01_Lebensmittel/04_AntragstellerUnternehmen/03_NEM/lm_nahrungsErgMittel_node.html
- https://www.tk.de/techniker/magazin/ernaehrung/essen-und-wissen/nahrungsergaenzungsmittel-2030356
- https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/was-sind-nahrungsergaenzungsmittel.html
