Many adults and children in the United States take one or more vitamins or other dietary supplements. These supplements come in a variety of forms, such as tablets, capsules, gummies, powders, energy drinks and bars. Popular supplements include vitamins D and B12; minerals such as calcium and iron; herbs such as echinacea and garlic; and products such as glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils. Synthetic nutrients are dietary supplements manufactured artificially in a laboratory or industrial process.
Natural nutrients are those found in whole foods. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) requires manufacturers or distributors to notify the FDA in advance and submit safety information if they intend to market a dietary supplement in the United States that contains a new dietary ingredient. Nutrients are chemical compounds found in foods that the body uses to function properly and maintain health. Eating healthy foods in the right amounts gives your body energy to perform daily activities, helps you maintain a healthy body weight, and may reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Evidence supports the idea that natural nutrients found in whole foods can prevent a wide range of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and premature death. When a foreign substance enters the body, these cells and organs create antibodies and cause the multiplication of immune cells (including different types of white blood cells) that are specific to that harmful substance and attack and destroy it. The nutrient intake associated with the 95th percentile of retinol, zinc, iodine, copper and magnesium increased considerably after the inclusion of supplement sources; however, it only exceeded the upper limits in a small percentage of the populations studied.
Do certain foods contain the same nutrients as dietary supplements?
The answer is yes. Whole foods contain natural nutrients that can provide many of the same benefits as dietary supplements.However, it is important to note that dietary supplements may be necessary for some individuals who have specific health needs or deficiencies. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement.