Food supplements are, as the name tells, different compounds in different forms that supplement our nutrition. Over time, general foodstuffs became poor in nutrients because of modern agriculture, where larger quantity is more valued than better quality. This transition happened over years, due to the rapid growth of the World’s population. As a response, many food supplements have become available on the market in the last years, sales of which are still increasing.
Forms of food supplements
There are many forms of food supplements available on the market. The most common forms are capsules and tablets, but many more new forms are available lately, like powders and sachets to be mixed with water or other liquid, or liquid forms of supplements like syrups. Food supplements in form of gummies or other candies are gaining popularity, because of the pleasant taste and feeling of having a dessert rather than a pill. It is up to one’s preferences what form of supplement they consume. In the end, it is the content that matters.
What can we supplement?
Most commonly, food supplements contain different micronutrients, namely vitamins and minerals, which can be depleted in modern nutrition. There are also some other compounds found in food supplements, like different proteins, amino acids, fiber, some plant extracts, etc. We can take those to supplement certain depleted nutrients or to achieve certain goals (e. g. weight loss, immune system building, muscle building, etc.).
How often should I take food supplements?
The duration and frequency of food supplement consumption depend on the supplement’s purpose. For sure the majority of them are to be taken for a longer period to see the results. It is the most common, that supplements are taken daily, but it can be different for some of them. In any case, it is most important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
How do I know which company to trust?
Since the food supplement category is huge and still growing, there are also many different companies on the market, that want to make a profit by selling the supplements. Unfortunately, not all of them are of the same quality. We would suggest reading the reviews and characteristics of the products before buying. Check the manufacturer’s website and make sure that they have quality certificates like GMP for food supplements, HACCP, or any other quality certificate in place. Good companies should also have strong customer support and should be able to answer any questions you might have. Since buying a food supplement is an investment in your overall health and well-being, we suggest doing it with caution.