Different types of dietary supplements

Dietary supplements are the formulated nutritional products that provide nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc. to individuals not consuming the sufficient daily requirements of a well-balanced diet. Herbal supplements which claim to help in the prevention or treatment of certain conditions such as stress, joint pain, or improving respiratory health are also included in dietary supplements.

Dietary supplements are usually taken in the form of capsules, pills, tablets, liquids, or powder form. By law, they need to be clearly labeled as dietary supplements, and should not be represented as conventional food. Dietary supplementation products are not intended to replace a proper meal or be made as the only item of a diet.

Vitamins are the most common dietary supplements required for the essential metabolic reactions of the body. Vitamins are divided into two groups, the water?soluble vitamins and the fat-soluble vitamins. Different vitamins have different functions in the body. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation and work as antioxidants.

Minerals are chemical elements that are required by the body to maintain physical health. Some minerals, such as chromium, iodine, copper, cobalt, etc., are required by the body in very small amounts. These are known as trace minerals. Some other minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, etc., are required by the body in larger amounts. They are known as bulk minerals. Excessive dietary mineral intake may lead to illness. Some minerals play very important role in secretion of hormones in the body. Minerals can also be supplied in the form of dietary supplements.

Our body also needs some essential amino acids including isoleucine, leucine, methionine, lysine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, valine, arginine and histidine for growth and development and proper functioning of the body. These are also supplied with dietary supplements. Some supplements such as DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) helps the body in making some hormones and in maintaining a strong immune system.

Some dietary supplements claim to improve health, shape the body, improve vision and mental acuity, decrease cholesterol levels, boost energy, and help prevent diseases. If you choose to take some dietary supplements, make sure they have no additives or fillers such as starch, sugar, silica, gluten, and artificial colors or flavors. It is best to buy a dietary supplement only from that manufacturer that has passed very stringent manufacturing standards.