A supplement is anything added to something to make it whole. It serves to strengthen or extend the lifespan of the whole. It can also be used to make up for a deficiency. Supplements can either be dietary (nutritional) or body building. Nutritional supplementation includes nutrients added to the diet to take care of deficiencies. These nutrients could be amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.
Except when a particular nutrient is lacking in the diet, healthy persons rarely require augmentation. The main reason for this is because they can comfortably absorb what is taken in the diet. Those who are suffering from some gastrointestinal disorders or are allergic to some foods frequently require this augmentation. Malabsorption syndromes and allergies are the commonest reason as to why augmentation is necessary.
Some supplements may not be largely effective in causing a positive change as intended. For instance, chondroitin and glucosamine used to relieve pain, do not cause a real effect. Pain killers need to be taken in addition to using chondroitin and glucosamine to ensure effective pain relief. Omega three fatty acids, naturally found in fatty fish, are also used as antioxidants though they do not have much benefit to healthy persons.
There are a number of side effects associated with the use of supplementation especially when taken in excess. Excessive dosages may be attributed to existence of the same components in the diet. The same may be the result of taking too much of what has been prescribed. Over time, there is accumulation due to excessive absorption. In spite of its many benefits, vitamin E has been found to predispose to prostate cancer. Calcium supplementation, on the other hand may cause increased incidence of heart attacks.
There are special supplements reserved for people who take part in athletics and body building. They either serve to facilitate weight gain or promote loss of weight as desired. They also help in meal replacement and improving the performance of athletes. Some of the nutrients used include branched chain amino acids, creatinine, glutamine, protein, essential fatty acids, testosterone boosters and vitamins. These come either in stacks or as single units. Those that come in blends offer the advantage of being synergistic.
The commonest form of supplements is powdered proteins used by body builders. This powder may be combined with milk, juice or water. They are effective when used before or after workouts. Casein is a type of protein that is usually taken before bedtime. The proteins work by stimulating muscle growth.
Essential fatty acids are important as supplements since they cannot be synthesised by the body and have to be obtained from the diet. Salmon and trout fish types are rich in such nutrients. In addition, pumpkin seeds and walnut contain these fatty acids for supplementation.
Except when a particular nutrient is lacking in the diet, healthy persons rarely require augmentation. The main reason for this is because they can comfortably absorb what is taken in the diet. Those who are suffering from some gastrointestinal disorders or are allergic to some foods frequently require this augmentation. Malabsorption syndromes and allergies are the commonest reason as to why augmentation is necessary.
Some supplements may not be largely effective in causing a positive change as intended. For instance, chondroitin and glucosamine used to relieve pain, do not cause a real effect. Pain killers need to be taken in addition to using chondroitin and glucosamine to ensure effective pain relief. Omega three fatty acids, naturally found in fatty fish, are also used as antioxidants though they do not have much benefit to healthy persons.
There are a number of side effects associated with the use of supplementation especially when taken in excess. Excessive dosages may be attributed to existence of the same components in the diet. The same may be the result of taking too much of what has been prescribed. Over time, there is accumulation due to excessive absorption. In spite of its many benefits, vitamin E has been found to predispose to prostate cancer. Calcium supplementation, on the other hand may cause increased incidence of heart attacks.
There are special supplements reserved for people who take part in athletics and body building. They either serve to facilitate weight gain or promote loss of weight as desired. They also help in meal replacement and improving the performance of athletes. Some of the nutrients used include branched chain amino acids, creatinine, glutamine, protein, essential fatty acids, testosterone boosters and vitamins. These come either in stacks or as single units. Those that come in blends offer the advantage of being synergistic.
The commonest form of supplements is powdered proteins used by body builders. This powder may be combined with milk, juice or water. They are effective when used before or after workouts. Casein is a type of protein that is usually taken before bedtime. The proteins work by stimulating muscle growth.
Essential fatty acids are important as supplements since they cannot be synthesised by the body and have to be obtained from the diet. Salmon and trout fish types are rich in such nutrients. In addition, pumpkin seeds and walnut contain these fatty acids for supplementation.
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