Dietary supplements like apple cider vinegar capsules supplement your diet and provide additional nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs. They come in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids.
Dietary supplements should not replace a healthy diet; you should not use them to treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease. It is also essential to speak to a healthcare provider before using a dietary supplement, especially if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, have any health conditions, or are taking any medication.
The Origin Of Dietary Supplements
The origins of dietary supplements can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people used various natural substances for medicinal and nutritional purposes. For example, ancient Egyptians used herbs for medicinal purposes, and ancient Greeks used minerals such as iron and copper to treat anemia.
However, the modern concept of dietary supplements took shape in the early 20th century. The discovery of vitamins and minerals, and their role in preventing deficiency diseases, led to the development of the first dietary supplements in the form of vitamin and mineral pills.
During the 1960s, the dietary supplement industry began to grow rapidly, and new supplements, such as herbs and amino acids, were introduced. This growth was spurred by a growing interest in natural health and wellness and by technological advances that enabled extracting and purifying specific nutrients from natural sources.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) controls dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). Under this law, dietary supplements are considered food, not drugs, and are not subject to the same level of regulation as pharmaceuticals. However, manufacturers must still ensure that their products are safe and accurately labeled.
Throughout the years, the use of dietary supplements has become more and more common, and it’s considered a global trend in the health and wellness industry.
Tips For Taking Dietary Supplements
Follow these few tips for taking dietary supplements in the right way:
Combine With A Healthy Diet
Dietary supplements, like some of the Best Multivitamins out there, should not replace a healthy diet but rather supplement it. Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential for overall health.
Many nutrients work together in the body and are most effective when combined. For example, vitamin C helps absorb iron, and calcium is needed for vitamin D to work properly. Many supplement manufacturers recognize this offer custom supplements with a blend of nutrients to really target certain specific health and wellbeing concerns that people may have.
In addition, taking supplements in high doses or for extended periods can have unknown effects on the body and may interact with other medications. By consuming a healthy diet, you reduce the risk of consuming too much of one nutrient and missing out on others.
Check For Potential Interaction
Certain supplements can interact with medications or other supplements and affect their effectiveness or safety. Some dietary supplements can interfere with the absorption, metabolism, or excretion of certain medications, affecting their effectiveness.
For example, taking a calcium supplement with osteoporosis medication may decrease the medication’s effectiveness. In addition, some supplements may be contraindicated in certain medical conditions and may even worsen the condition.
Store The Supplements Properly
Some supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, can degrade or lose potency over time if not stored properly. Exposure to light, heat, and humidity can cause the active ingredients to break down, making the supplement less effective.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage to store dietary supplements properly. This may include storing them in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat, and keeping them in their original container with a tight-fitting lid. It is also essential to keep supplements out of reach of children and pets.
Summary
Dietary supplements should supplement the diet and provide additional nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Dietary supplements can help fill nutritional gaps, especially for those with specific dietary restrictions or at risk of deficiencies.
Finally, taking dietary supplements can be a convenient way to ensure you are getting the necessary nutrients, especially for those who have difficulty getting enough of certain nutrients through their diet.
