Although an individual may be attempting to eat healthy foods on a regular basis, he or she will probably wonder from time to time about adding nutritional supplements or vitamins and the health impact they might have. Typically, nutritional supplements are used to provide vital nutrients and minerals that may be missing from a person's diet. While they should not be used to replace healthy meals or snacks, nutritional supplements can be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet. Supplements can be found in a variety of formats. Pills or capsules are the most common, but supplements can also be found as liquids, nutrition bars or even teas.
Many people choose to take nutritional supplements if they feel they are not eating as healthy as they should be. People who have sedentary lifestyles sometimes do not engage in enough physical activity to stimulate hunger and, subsequently, have inadequate nutritional intake.
In addition, due to changes in the digestive system that occur as people age, some individuals fail to absorb the nutrients contained in the food they eat. When this is the case, a person can be following a complete, healthy diet but simply not absorbing the vitamins and minerals it contains, leading to deficiencies. The problem lies in the body's inability to produce the stomach acids or enzymes necessary to break down food and extract its nutrients. For these individuals, supplements can offer an easier, more direct way to obtain those vitamins and minerals.
You may choose to consult a dietitian who can answer questions regarding which vitamin supplements will be best for your age and gender. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should stick with traditional vitamins and minerals that have been proven safe and beneficial and avoid those supplements that have little evidence to back up their effectiveness.
Vitamins A, E, K and D must be taken with a meal or snack that contains fat because they are fat-soluble, meaning the body must use fat to absorb them. It does little or no good to take a vitamin supplement if it will not be properly absorbed. Vitamin B should be taken in the morning for maximum benefit, and vitamin C, as well as iron, should always be taken with meals to avoid stomach upset.
Nutritional products containing other types of supplements are also available, such as nutritional shakes and beverages. These contain proteins, lipids and trace minerals, which are also necessary for optimum health. However, before adding any nutritional supplement to your diet, you should first discuss it with a doctor or other healthcare provider.