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That provides additional source of nutrients
“Food supplement” redirects here. [2] A supplement can provide nutrients either extracted from food sources or that are synthetic in order to increase the quantity of their consumption. The class of nutrient compounds includes vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, and amino acids.
Multivitamins are the most commonly used product among types of dietary supplements. [6] The United States National Institutes of Health states that supplements “may be of value” for those who are nutrient deficient from their diet and receive approval from their medical provider. Companies are allowed to use what is referred to as “Structure/Function” wording if there is substantiation of scientific evidence for a supplement providing a potential health effect.
[8] An example would be “_____ helps maintain healthy joints”, but the label must bear a disclaimer that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “has not evaluated the claim” and that the dietary supplement product is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease”, because only a drug can legally make such a claim. [8] The FDA enforces these regulations and also prohibits the sale of supplements and supplement ingredients that are dangerous, or supplements not made according to standardized good manufacturing practices (GMPs).
Milestones
The assessment included both the evaluation of the safety of a nutrient source at the intake levels suggested by the applicant, and the bioavailability of the nutrient from the source i.e.
Companies wishing to market a nutrient source not included in the permitted list have to submit an application to the European Commission. Based on EFSA’s work, the European Commission reviews and updates the list of vitamin or mineral substances that may be used in food supplements. Moreover, EFSA has performed a comprehensive evaluation of the possible adverse health effects of individual micronutrients at intakes exceeding the dietary requirements and, where possible, established tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for different population groups.
Uls represent the highest level of chronic daily intake of a nutrient that is not likely to pose a risk of adverse health effects to humans. The ULs defined by EFSA and by the former Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) are used as a reference in EFSA’s evaluations of the safety of nutrient sources added to food supplements. Throughout this work EFSA provides support to the European Commission in establishing maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods.
For all substances added to foods, including food supplements, that are claimed to have an effect on the nutritional or health status of consumers, EFSA carries out an assessment in line with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims. Under the circumstances described in Art. 8 of Regulation 1925/2006, i.e.
“…where a substance other than vitamins or minerals … is added to foods … under conditions that would result in the ingestion of amounts of this substance greatly exceeding those reasonably expected … under normal conditions … and/or would otherwise represent a potential risk to consumers…”, EFSA may be requested by the European Commission to assess the available information to support a decision on the safety of the substance.
Path To Improved Health
Vitamins and minerals are known as micronutrients. They help nourish your body and keep you healthy.
You can get them by eating a variety of foods in your daily diet. This ensures that your body is able to absorb them properly. Taking a multivitamin can help.
People who may benefit from multivitamins include:
Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Women who are breastfeeding. Women who have gone through menopause.
People who don’t eat animal products. People who have had gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. People who have diseases of the stomach, liver, pancreas, or gall bladder.
People who have digestive health conditions. This includes gastrointestinal disease, lactose intolerance, or food allergies. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), adult Americans may not get enough of the following micronutrients.
Nutrient Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) Calcium 1,000 milligrams (mg) for men and women between 31-50 years 1,200 mg for women over 50 years old 1,000 mg for men between 51-70 years 1,200 mg for men older than 70 years Fiber 25 grams (g) for women 38 g for men Folic acid/Folate 400 micrograms (mcg) Iron 8 mg for men 18 mg for women 19-50 years 8 mg for women older than 51 years Magnesium 320 mg for women older than 50 years 420 mg for men older than 50 years Potassium 4,700 mg for men and women older than 50 years Vitamin A 2,310 international units (IU) for women 3,000 IU for men Vitamin B12 2.4 mcg Vitamin C 75 mg for women 90 mg for men Vitamin D 600 IU 800 IU for men and women over 70 years Vitamin E 15 mg
Hundreds of other supplements are available. They promise to treat a range of symptoms. However, evidence to support these claims often is missing.
Don’t take more than the recommended dosage on the label, unless your doctor approves it. Just because a supplement is advertised as “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Things To Consider
Talk to your doctor if you don’t think you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet.
Your doctor also can recommend a dietary supplement. Supplements can cause problems with cancer treatments or surgery. For instance, foods rich in vitamin E and beta-carotene are healthy.
Medicine companies follow FDA regulations. Some makers of dietary supplements follow the U.S. Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention quality standards. This means they volunteer to have their products tested.
Look for them to say “USP Verified” or “ConsumerLab.com Approved Quality.”
Dietary supplements generally are safe as long as they aren’t used in excessive amounts. Taking too much can cause unwanted or harmful side effects. However, some herbal supplements may not be safe.
Examples include arsenic, mercury, lead, and pesticides. Supplements must be recalled if they are found to contain toxic ingredients. Questions for your doctor.