noun
plural noun: supplements
/ˈsʌplɪm(ə)nt/
1. 1. a thing added to something else in order to complete or enhance it.”the handout is a supplement to the official manual”
By definition, a supplement is something that we can ADD to a healthy diet to enhance it where needed. They can be very beneficial.
However, here are a few things you need to consider before buying them:
QUALITY MATTERS. Low-quality and cheap supplements can be bought in supermarkets, on Amazon, or even in Holland Barrett. These supplements contain filler ingredients that you should avoid.
The type of nutrient used in a supplement is extremely important for bioavailability and absorption. If your body can’t use the nutrient, then you are wasting time and money.
Some nutrients in supplements are just better to get from food e.g., iron. When our iron levels are high enough our hepcidin levels increase which allows us to block absorption so we don’t absorb too much. When taking iron supplements we CAN be continuously blocking the absorption.
Self-prescribing can be dangerous so you should always speak to a healthcare professional. You need to ensure you are taking the correct dose and that the supplement is suitable for you.
Supplements can be highly beneficial to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Our food has lost so many nutrients over the years so we can’t always get what we need from food alone.
Vegans need to take supplements because they cannot get everything from food. Especially if a person has a gene SNP which prevents the conversion of nutrients into their more bioavailable form such as beta carotene into retinol (vitamin A), or ALA into EPA and DHA (omega 3).
👉🏻Have you been self-prescribing supplements and feel confused and overwhelmed?
Melissa🤍
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