WHEN everyone is concerned about their health, many have started to explore adding supplements to their daily routine. Though generally considered a beneficial improvement, it’s essential to understand what you’re digesting before gobbling down vitamin-this and vitamin-that. Mauricio Gonzalez, a board-certified internal medicine physician, explains that a supplement, by definition, is what the name suggests: an additive to your already-balanced menu plan. It contains one or more dietary ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids and other substances. But before you hop on the bandwagon, follow trusted doctors and nutritionist’s advice and keep these facts about supplements in mind. 1. Supplements are needed when our diet doesn’t have enough micronutrients. People often turn to supplements when they don’t receive the right amount or enough micronutrients required to live a vibrant life. Many aspects could cause this, including access to healthy foods, as well as a limited diet, like veganism or gluten or dairy-intolerance. According to Nicole Avena, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, it could also be an issue when you say “yes” to fast food instead of the salad bar. “When you are eating a lot of processed foods or don’t have a variety of vegetables, fruits, and proteins in your diet, you could need a supplement,” she says. 2. Supplements can aid all parts of our bodies and lives. If there is a particular aspect of your health or appearance that frustrates you, chances are high there is a supplement that could come to your rescue. As board-certified dermatologist and author Anna Guanche explains, there are endless options available that optimize longevity, energy, sleep, skin health, sexual health and so on. While you should always speak with a trusted doctor before adding supplements to your diet, they may recommend a specific vitamin or mineral-based on your current woes or struggles — like vitamin D for bone health, vitamin E for your skin, or vitamin B-12 for stress. 3. Too much of a good thing is still a bad thing. Whether it’s giving in to your sweet tooth or having another glass of red wine, moderation is key in much of our diet choices, and supplements are no different. 4. You get what you pay for with supplements. As the food and drug regulation authorities very loosely regulate supplements, you have to do your homework when finding the right brand for your dietary needs. This may require a more significant financial investment, but it’s one that will produce results. Many of the less expensive, readily-available products at your typical drugs store or grocery store are packed with fillers and additives. You will have better luck buying brandname products. 5. Skip the multivitamin and get specific. We hate to break it to you, but if you’re still downing that gummy daily vitamin from when you were a kid, you’re in major need of an upgrade. According to nutritionist Jonny Bowden, a multivitamin doesn’t cut it to reap the benefits of supplement use for most adults. “There is no such thing as a high-quality multiple vitamin in one pill, sorry,” says Bowden. “The very least number of pills in a daily dose for a high-quality multiple is two, and that’s rare. You just can’t get all the basics into one small pill. Some high-quality multiples have a ‘serving size’ of 6 tablets a day.”(SD-Agencies) | 