What Are Supplements?
Supplements are very popular nowadays. More and more people in the Netherlands use one or more supplements as an addition to their daily diet. But what exactly are supplements, and why might you choose to use them?
Types of Supplements
Simply put, dietary supplements are products that function as a supplement to your daily diet. These include vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, or magnesium. There are also herbal supplements, for example, with nettle, garcinia cambogia, or ginger. A herbal supplement contains a high concentration of active ingredients that you wouldn’t normally get from a regular diet. Finally, there are other types of supplements, such as glucosamine or amino acids. These are substances that the body produces naturally but are not commonly found in food. The effects of these types of supplements are still being researched.
Forms of Administration
Don’t like swallowing pills? That’s not a problem. Supplements come in many different forms, including tablets and capsules, but also drops, powders, gummies, creams, or drinks. This way, you can always find a way of taking them that suits your needs.
Which Supplements Do I Need?
The supplements you might benefit from depend 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, an exception applies to vitamin D and folic acid (vitamin B11), for which certain groups are advised to increase their intake through supplements. Additionally, you may not be getting enough of a certain nutrient from your diet (for example, if you are vegan) or may 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 contain other active ingredients. Choosing and using a herbal supplement is a personal decision and depends on your age, gender, lifestyle, diet, and personal goals. Check out the different 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 take 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 replacement for a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet. They also cannot replace medical care or medication. Always keep supplements out of reach of young children.
