What are supplements?
Supplements are very popular nowadays. More and more people in the Netherlands use one or more supplements to complement their daily diet. But what exactly are supplements, and why might you choose to use them?
Types of supplements
In short, dietary supplements are products that function as an addition (= supplement) to your daily diet. These include vitamins or minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, or magnesium. There are also herbal supplements, such as nettle, garcinia cambogia, or ginger. A herbal supplement contains a high concentration of active substances that you wouldn't typically get through a normal diet. Finally, there are other supplements, such as glucosamine or amino acids. These are substances that the body produces itself but are either absent or present in very small amounts in your diet. Research into the effects of such supplements is still ongoing.
Forms of administration
Don’t like swallowing pills? That’s not a problem. Supplements come in many different forms. For example, tablets and capsules, but also drops, powders, gummies, creams, or drinks. This way, you’ll always find a method of intake that suits your needs.
Which supplements do I need?
Which supplements are beneficial to you depends on various factors such as your age, gender, lifestyle, diet, and health. A healthy person with a varied diet does not need supplements to obtain the necessary nutrients. However, there are exceptions for vitamin D and folic acid (vitamin B11), for which some groups are advised to increase their intake through pills. Additionally, you may not get a certain nutrient through your diet (for example, if you are vegan) or have an increased need for specific vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients.
Herbal supplements
What about herbal supplements? These are usually not intended to supplement nutrients, but they contain other active ingredients. Choosing and using a herbal supplement is very personal and depends on your age, gender, lifestyle, diet, and personal goals. Check out the various categories in our webshop!
Disclaimer
If you choose to use a herbal supplement, always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging. Consult a doctor if you plan to start taking supplements while pregnant, breastfeeding, using medication, or under medical supervision. Many herbal supplements are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Supplements are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle with a varied diet. They also cannot replace medical care or medication. Always keep supplements out of reach of young children.
