A supplement is a substance that you might use to add nutrients to your diet or to help lowering health problems such as osteoporosis. Dietary supplements can come in many forms including pills, capsules, powders, gel tabs, extracts or liquids. They could contain vitamins, amino acids, minerals, fiber or enzymes. 

Should I take a dietary supplement?

Eating a balanced diet with healthy foods is the best way to get the nutrients. However some people don’t get enough vitamins and even macros through their diet and therefore have to look for ways to get it into their diet. Other people can also have deficiency and a doctor may recommend a supplement to provide those missing nutrients.  Supplements should be the least prioritised in your diet- think of it being at the top of the pyramid with calories being at the bottom (most important). 

Benefits of Supplements 

Supplements are a great way to help support a healthy lifestyle. For example, taking calcium and vitamin d are a great way to strengthen bones especially when you are getting older as bone loss can lead to fractures in both older men and women. Or another example would be taking protein powder to help you reach your macro goals which will result in growth and repair of your muscles- however don’t become dependent on supplements such as protein shakes as it is best that you consume all of your dietary needs through whole foods. 

Whats best for me?

When thinking of taken a supplement, think to do this first.

 learn about it before you take it as what you hear about it may not benefit you like it can benefit someone else. They might be deficient in this nutrient, you may not meaning that you will not get the same impact as them. Look to see if it can counteract with any other medication you may be taking or it may even cause an allergic reaction. 

Don’t just read a particular brands fact sheet; read about the supplement as a whole before you are going to buy it off a company because remember they’re going to try persuade you in every way they can.