Dietary supplements is a hotly debated and confusing topic. This article aims to debunk some myths. Read on to learn the top four myths about diet supplements.
The world of health and nutrition can be a real minefield, with opposing views, contradictory information, and endless influencers and medical gurus toting the latest fads; it’s an absolute debacle for the average person to sift through.
One hottest debated topic is whether dietary supplements are beneficial or significantly impact your overall health.
While this is a complex issue, some ongoing myths are attached to nutritional supplements that we can dispel here. Read on for our top four debunked dietary supplement myths.
1. Dietary Supplements Are A Waste Of Money
A widespread dietary myth is that nutritional supplements are a complete waste of money and have no significant impact on your body’s health; unfortunately, this myth is perpetuated by too many healthcare professionals.
While dietary supplements should never replace a balanced diet, and many supplements on the market make promises not backed by medical science, there are many essential vitamins and minerals a majority of people are not getting enough of in their diet.
Examples include essential vitamins and minerals like:
- Solgar Vitamin (Vitamin D)
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin B6 and more
Everyone’s body and diet are significantly different. You should always consult with your primary healthcare provider before popping pills and shaking up powders.
A regular blood test is the best way to know what you may be missing out on, even if you have what’s considered a balanced diet.
2. People Who Eat A Balanced Diet Do Not Need To Supplement
This is another common myth, as our diets change more from season to season than we realise.
For example, our seasonal diets, times of menstruation, and geographical access to vitamin D from the sun all vary from person to person and from season to season.
Many women see significant drops in essential iron during menstruation, with some even developing anemia symptoms.
An iron supplement during these monthly periods can help keep iron at a healthy level when the body requires more than it can get from food alone.
Where you live in the world can affect how much vitamin D you receive from the sun, regardless of how much time you spend outside.
For example, approximately 490 million people in India are considered Vitamin D deficient, with significant improvements seen in those who take supplements.
It is also a common problem in Tunisia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. In Australia, a country famous for its sunny conditions, it is estimated that one in three adults has mild, moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency.
Sometimes, it seems, diet is not enough to ultimately reach our macronutrient needs, and we have science to thank for the ability to supplement these deficiencies.
3. All Dietary Supplements Are Confirmed As Safe
People often assume that all products for sale have been rigorously tested, peer-reviewed and deemed safe for consumption. Unfortunately, this is far from the case.
Ephedrine, for example, was purported to replace the need for a waist trainer for weight loss by speeding up metabolism by five per cent, and was initially deemed safe.
However, it produced some significant adverse side effects with long-term use, compromising its legal and safety status.
There are many stories just like this in the dietary supplement industry. Therefore, it is worth being well informed, on the pulse of change, while seeking advice whenever taking a new or alternative supplement; this also goes for ‘natural’ supplements.
4. Dietary Supplements Work For Everyone The Same
Even people that live in the same family under the same roof can have significantly different lifestyles and dietary needs.
Likewise, some people will have food allergies, deficiencies unique to their health conditions, and additional protein and macronutrient requirements for activities; humans are a real mixed bag.
The body you were born with and your lifestyle can significantly impact the kind of supplements you may require and how your body uses nutrients.
Therefore, it is worth doing plenty of research; consult a healthcare provider and nutritionist on what supplements and diets are best for you.
Keep On The Pulse Of Healthcare Trends With Personal Care Truth
It seems there is some truth and deception throughout the health and nutrition industry.
However, like all sciences, more studies are being conducted than ever, and we are discovering more all the time, so it is up to us to try and keep up.
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