Monday, May 9, 2011

Dietary supplements: what they are and when to use them

We speak today of food supplements, not all in fact know what they are and how important they are to carry out our daily activities! Dietary supplements are products that contain nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, but also lactic acid bacteria or stimulants and tonics important for sports training.

The supplements are created with the intention to fill any nutritional deficiencies. Generally, a healthy and balanced diet can be introduced into our body all the nutrients we need, why you should correct your diet, before opting for the supplements. However, in some cases the use of supplements may be particularly suitable.

An example is the intake of folic acid in pregnancy, a B vitamin important for the growth and cell division, can reduce the risk of severe malformations of the central nervous system of the embryo such as spina bifida el'anencefalia. Folic acid is also important to make up for any deficiencies in the diet of children and the elderly.

Even mineral supplements can be very useful, especially in summer when you sweat because of the high loss of salt. In the case of bone problems, however, are the recommended supplements of calcium, vitamins D, K, magnesium, glucosamine and chondroitin. Dietary supplements are commercially available in capsules, powder, tablets or liquid and should be taken according to the doses given information leaflets and it is advisable to first consult your doctor.

In fact, the supplements should be used sparingly because an intense and prolonged use may cause interference. An excess of vitamin C, for example, can improve the appearance of cataracts, as well as excessive intake of amino acids may alter the metabolism, strain on the kidneys. Dietary supplements can be so instrumental in your struggle to extra pounds, provided they are used with care and intelligence.

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