Dietary supplements are more and more often becoming a subject for discussion, both in a positive and negative light. Some people consider them a miracle cure for all diseases, while others think they are a mere waste of money. So who’s in the right? To get to the bottom of this matter, let’s look at who uses dietary supplements today, why they do and in what form.
Dietary supplements and demographics: a look at the numbers
Dietary supplement consumption statistics provide interesting food for thought. According to studies conducted by various organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), we can make some interesting observations:
Female consumers of dietary supplements are more prevalent
On average, women use dietary supplements more often than men. This may be due to a higher interest in health and beauty issues, as well as to physiological peculiarities of the female body, for example, the need for additional intake of iron and folic acid while pregnant.
Age matters
Most often people over 35−40 years old turn to supplements. This is because with age, the body’s production of a number of important substances such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10 decreases.
Lifestyle and occupational dependence
People who are active, involved in sports and those whose line of work involves increased physical or mental stress are more likely to use dietary supplements to maintain proper energy and performance levels, as well as improve their concentration and memory.
A different dietary supplement for every purpose
It is important to know that dietary supplements are not just ‘vitamins', but a rather broad group of products that may contain different biologically active substances and are designed for different purposes. Here are a few examples:
Vitamins and minerals: the most popular group of supplements. They help to fill the lack of important microelements in the body, which occurs due to an unbalanced diet, poor ecology and stress.
Omega-3: essential for heart, vascular and brain health. Only found in sufficient quantities in certain types of marine fish, so many people require additional omega-3 intake in supplement form.
Probiotics and prebiotics: normalize intestinal function, improve digestion, boost the immune system.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue, help with joint diseases.
Medicinal plants and extracts: used both for prevention purposes and complex treatment of various diseases.
Supplements safety and efficacy: dispelling myths
There are many myths and speculations around dietary supplements. Some consider them absolutely safe, while others, on the contrary, think that they are dangerous to health. It is important to keep in mind that dietary supplements are not medicine, but rather biologically active food supplements, and they should be treated as such.
Dietary supplements are not a substitute for medicine. If you have a disease, you should consult a doctor and follow their treatment recommendations. Supplements can be a complement to the main therapy, but not a substitute for it.
Not all supplements are similarly useful. The quality and effectiveness of dietary supplements can vary greatly based on the manufacturer, composition, and amount of active ingredients.
Expert advice is important. Before taking any dietary supplements, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist to find the best option for you and to avoid possible side effects.
Dietary supplements can help to maintain your health and well-being. The key is to use them correctly and responsibly, while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dietary supplements and demographics: a look at the numbers
Dietary supplement consumption statistics provide interesting food for thought. According to studies conducted by various organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), we can make some interesting observations:
Female consumers of dietary supplements are more prevalent
On average, women use dietary supplements more often than men. This may be due to a higher interest in health and beauty issues, as well as to physiological peculiarities of the female body, for example, the need for additional intake of iron and folic acid while pregnant.
Age matters
Most often people over 35−40 years old turn to supplements. This is because with age, the body’s production of a number of important substances such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10 decreases.
Lifestyle and occupational dependence
People who are active, involved in sports and those whose line of work involves increased physical or mental stress are more likely to use dietary supplements to maintain proper energy and performance levels, as well as improve their concentration and memory.
A different dietary supplement for every purpose
It is important to know that dietary supplements are not just ‘vitamins', but a rather broad group of products that may contain different biologically active substances and are designed for different purposes. Here are a few examples:
Vitamins and minerals: the most popular group of supplements. They help to fill the lack of important microelements in the body, which occurs due to an unbalanced diet, poor ecology and stress.
Omega-3: essential for heart, vascular and brain health. Only found in sufficient quantities in certain types of marine fish, so many people require additional omega-3 intake in supplement form.
Probiotics and prebiotics: normalize intestinal function, improve digestion, boost the immune system.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue, help with joint diseases.
Medicinal plants and extracts: used both for prevention purposes and complex treatment of various diseases.
Supplements safety and efficacy: dispelling myths
There are many myths and speculations around dietary supplements. Some consider them absolutely safe, while others, on the contrary, think that they are dangerous to health. It is important to keep in mind that dietary supplements are not medicine, but rather biologically active food supplements, and they should be treated as such.
Dietary supplements are not a substitute for medicine. If you have a disease, you should consult a doctor and follow their treatment recommendations. Supplements can be a complement to the main therapy, but not a substitute for it.
Not all supplements are similarly useful. The quality and effectiveness of dietary supplements can vary greatly based on the manufacturer, composition, and amount of active ingredients.
Expert advice is important. Before taking any dietary supplements, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist to find the best option for you and to avoid possible side effects.
Dietary supplements can help to maintain your health and well-being. The key is to use them correctly and responsibly, while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle.