The supplement industry is booming right now. In the last year, roughly $35 billion was spent on supplements in the United States. That is a vast industry. If you’re not already a regular user of supplements, you may be wondering why this industry is so big.
Why do we spend so much on dietary supplements? Do they work? Are they safe? If you have these sorts of questions, you’ve come to the right place. We have spoken to experts in the field to discover exactly why so many of us take supplements, how they work, and how safe they are. Read on to find out more.
Why Do People Take Supplements?
The golden question. Why do people even take supplements? Well, there are a number of reasons people take different kinds. People who exercise regularly take supplements to help replace lost electrolytes, protein to help rebuild muscles, or creatine to help boost muscle mass.
Also, unfortunately, some of us are just naturally deficient in certain minerals and vitamins, so take healthy dietary additions like supplements from Researched Nutritionals to help boost the vitamins they are deficient in or aid their production. Sometimes, people on restrictive diets take supplements to make up for things they are missing, such as omegas or vitamins.
Are Supplements Safe?
It is important to note here; the supplement industry is not a regulated one in the USA. Meaning, anyone can ‘make’ supplements and sell them online. In theory, you could be buying anything. However, there are a few simple ways to make sure a phony or insincere supplement company doesn’t track you. Firstly, check to see how long the company has been around.
If they are a new company suddenly popping up with the ‘best’ and cheapest supplements available, ignore them. Go for a long-lasting, trusted supplement company. Secondly, seek help from a professional dietician or physician if you have any concerns. They will undoubtedly know of respected and trusted supplement companies.
Supplement Forms
Supplements come in many forms. In fact, some individual supplements can come in multiple forms. For example, you can buy vitamin B12 in powder, tablet, and liquid forms. These are the main forms of supplements available on the market, though you can also find teas, injections, patches, or edibles.
Depending on the type of supplement you are choosing to take and its purpose, different forms could work better for you. Some supplements have been proven to be taken into the bloodstream better in liquid form as opposed to tablets, for example. It really depends on the substance and the intended benefit.
Do All Supplements Work?
Obviously, the reason supplements are so popular is because we are told they work. But, how can we be sure? There have been myriad research on supplements in the last 20 years, but most of the studies remain inconclusive. It’s worth noting that most scientists do not believe taking vitamins will make you live longer or avoid diseases later in life.
However, they may make you feel better in the short-term, which is certainly not a bad thing. There are some studies that lean towards supplement success stories, and many people will tell you some supplements worked for them. Everyone’s body is different, so it’s best to try supplements and assess whether you think they are working for you or not.
What Supplements To Take
As we have just mentioned, everyone has a different body and slightly different chemical makeup. Some people may be deficient in certain vitamins or substances and not even be aware of them. Basically, it’s too broad a subject for us to be able to recommend you specifically any supplements. If you feel lacking, a multivitamin can’t help.
If you feel tired, B12 is generally recommended. And, in the winter, people often recommend vitamin D supplements. However, to go any deeper, you really need to find out what’s best for your body.
Our general advice here would be for you to reach out to your general practitioner or a dietitian, have blood done, and have a good chat about what may be best for your body. A combination of supplements alongside a nutritious diet could lead to you feeling more full of energy in your body and mind than ever before!
Some Common Supplements Explained
Let’s explore some of the most commonly taken supplements, discuss their purported benefits, and in which forms they are regularly taken.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins are regularly taken by millions of Americans. If your diet is not 100%, multivitamins can be a good way of ensuring you hit daily vitamin targets. Often taken as a tablet, they can also come in the dissolvable form or in an already-liquid state.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is often taken to help with the lack of energy as it is involved in energy production in the body. For someone deficient in B12, supplements will help boost energy. For someone who isn’t, they wouldn’t feel much difference. It is also said that B12 helps prevent anemia.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often reported as coming from the sun. This isn’t entirely accurate, but the sun’s light does help activate vitamin D in our bodies. It helps keep your bones strong and muscles and teeth healthy.
Calcium
Calcium, usually in tablet form, is actually regulated by vitamin D in the body. It can help your bones and teeth stay strong. Your heart, muscles, and nerves also need enough calcium to function properly.
Fish Oils / Omega-3s
Often regarded as bad for you, we do need ‘good’ fats in our bodies. Omega-3s are some of those fats. These fats are apparently useful for our brain health, eye health, and heart health. For vegetarians, these can be necessary to get ample fat in the diet in replacement of fish.
There you have it, everything you need to know about supplements. We hope you have found this short article informative and useful. Remember, if there’s a supplement you don’t understand or don’t know if you need it or not, speak to a professional. There are plenty of people who can give you excellent advice on what is needed in your diet and in your supplement cupboard