The virtues of food supplements are diverse and varied, as are their forms.
What is the food supplement?
“Food supplements are foodstuffs intended to supplement the normal diet and which constitute a concentrated source of nutrients or other substances having a nutritional or physiological effect singly or in combination, marketed in dose form.” According to Directive 2002/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 June 2002 relating to food supplements (Framework Directive for food supplements).
Why consume dietary supplements?
The consumption of dietary supplements depends on what you are looking for.
These products have several roles depending on their composition.
Some food supplements are sources of nutrients and will therefore help to compensate for dietary deficiencies.
Dietary supplements should be used to complement the diet and not replace it.
They are therefore composed of vitamins (A, B, C, D and E), and minerals (selenium, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, etc.).
- Alleviate the inconveniences of everyday life :
Some discomforts can occur in daily life, independently of pathologies such as difficult digestion, stress, insomnia or joint problems.
Generally, the food supplements addressed to this kind of problems are those which consist of plants or extracts of plants and plants. We call them herbal medicine supplements.
These food supplements help maintain physiological balance, prevent and reduce risk factors for disease (cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.). They can also improve certain natural effects like hair growth, memory stimulation, sleep regulation and others.
Protein-based food supplements also help to promote the development or maintenance of muscle mass. These are mainly consumed by athletes.
Among the ingredients are fatty acids, collagen, yeast, etc.
The purchase of food supplements does not require a prescription but the risk of overdose or drug interactions always exists, especially if you are on treatment.
In what forms can we find food supplements?
The following dosage forms are intended to be taken in small measured units.
- capsules
- Soft capsules
- Lozenges
- Tablets
- Gummies
- Powders
- Liquid ampoules
- Liquid in a bottle fitted with a dropper or pipette