dietary supplements

The human body requires a series of vitamins and minerals in order to function. If your diet does not naturally provide all of these necessities, dietary supplements offer a convenient means of supplying them.

Dietary supplements were once defined as products made up of essential nutrients such as minerals, proteins and vitamins. In 1994, an act was passed in the United States called the DSHEA, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. This act re-defined "dietary supplement" to include botanicals, herbs, amino acids and any other substance that can supplement the human diet.

Types of Supplements

Herb and botanical supplements are ground up parts or extracts of plants meant to have a positive effect on the body. Common herbs and botanicals found in supplements include; echinacea, garlic, cranberry, gingko biloba, ginseng, grape seed and green tea. While such supplements are usually safe and effective, others can be dangerous. Ephedra is an example of a potentially harmful herb. This plant extract, when combined with caffeine (as it often is in weight-loss and energy supplements) can cause serious nerve damage, high blood pressure, stroke and death.

Vitamins play an important role in every function of the body. While all necessary vitamins should be found in a well-balanced diet, some find they need to supplement their intake. People who smoke, drink alcohol or are on medications sometimes require vitamin supplements. Some common vitamins are: folic acid, Vitamin A (caretenoids), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12, C (ascorbic acid), D (calciferol), E (alpha tocopherol) and vitamin K (menadione).

Minerals are non-organic substances found throughout the body. Minerals make up our bones and tissues and cannot be produced by the body, and so must be consumed. Minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc must be consumed in relatively large amounts in order for the body to function properly, these minerals are known as macrominerals. Macrominerals make up just a few of the 60 minerals contained in the human body. Of those 60 minerals, only 22 must be consumed regularly and most of these are called "trace minerals". Trace minerals are needed in only very tiny amounts, usually measured in milligrams.

Amino acids are what proteins are made of. Next to water, the majority of your body is made up of proteins. There are 22 different amino acids and the different combinations and shapes that these amino acids take on create the different types of proteins in the body. When a protein is consumed, it is broken down and the amino acids are then re-arranged and used to build your hair, bones and other protein-based body parts.

Should you take supplements?

While there is no true replacement for a balanced and healthy diet, some people suffer from mal-absorption of nutrients or other such medical problems which make supplements necessary. Because of their special classification, dietary supplements require much less scrutiny from the FDA than either foods or drugs. Claims made on the packaging of dietary supplements has often not been approved by the FDA, and should be noted with some skepticism.

Consider the following when deciding to take a dietary supplement: Do I need this supplement? Is it safe? Can I find this particular substance in my diet? Is it worth the cost? How will it effect my lifestyle?

Many supplements on the market contain a mixture of herbs and chemicals which may have a profound effect on your mood, sleep patterns and overall health. Some substances may interact negatively with other prescription drugs or may be unsafe for those with certain medical conditions. The use of dietary supplements should not be taken lightly. Speak to your doctor about a supplement before taking it.