Supplementation

Nutritional supplements are substances that have a physiological or nutritional effect.



They are a potent source of nutrients and act as supplements for a normal or regular diet. Vitamins supplements and supplements of minerals are available commercially. A healthy and balanced diet helps in getting the required amount of nutrients. In certain cases, such as individuals who have undergone surgery, invalid patients and so on, consumption of a full meal is not possible.

Dietary supplements play a vital role in such individuals. Nutritional vitamins are also necessary in individuals involved in the sports and athletic field.



Every vitamin in the diet performs a specific function. In many individuals, the requirement of certain vitamins is not met. Nutritional vitamins come into action, in such cases. Lack of certain vitamins or other nutrients result in certain deficiency diseases. Absence of vitamin C in the diet results in scurvy, with bleeding gums.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are important in individuals with a low profile of both vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in vegetarians, as animal foods are a good source of cobalamine. Vitamin mineral supplements fail to completely substitute a regular diet of grains, milk, veggies and fruits. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, majority of them are absorbed from the diet and vitamin and mineral supplement. All the benefits of the above said foods are not reproduced by these supplements.

Nutritional liquid supplements are better than supplements in the form of capsules, due to their immediate digestion pace. The energy requirement for digestion or breakdown is far less. Delay in the nutrient absorption is not seen. It is easy to swallow, especially in case of hospitalised individuals and small children. Pills and capsules causes stomach upset and other problems in certain individuals, which is not seen in case of liquid supplements.

Liquid mineral supplements also ensure instant utilization of the nutrients, by the various organs in the body. High doses of certain supplements result in urinary tract problems and diarrhoea. Nutritional supplements are stored in a cool and dry place. The potency of these supplements is lost, in case of improper storage. A supplement that provides 100 percent of the USRDA is helpful. Supplements should be kept away from children.



The demerit of a liquid nutritional supplement is the decrease in fiber content. Remember nutritional supplements are not at all necessary, if you opt for a healthy and nutritious meal, which is more cost effective.

Lack of any vitamin or mineral in the body can be replaced by supplements. They supply our body with the required energy and help's the body to maintain an optimum level. Weight loss supplements are also available, but they are not to be used for long periods. Only multivitamins can be taken for long periods. Many a times a certain nutrient deficiency in our body makes us crave for food, in an attempt to obtain the deficient nutrients. A multi-vitamin helps in controlling the appetite as it helps to maintain a proper nutrient balance in the system. Other supplements for weight loss are grouped according to the functions in the body.