Nutritional supplements in aging

Nutritional supplements have historically been used with the objective of providing extra nutrients to our diet, allowing us to avoid or treat a wide variety of health problems that originate as a result of nutrient deficiencies in the body. Another very common use attributed to nutritional supplements is to improve our sports performance. This is due to the fact that when we exercise, we spend more calories than normal, which increases our demand for nutrients, which are necessary for the growth of our muscles and the restoration of our energy.

During the development of this guide we will be analyzing some of the most important elements in reference to nutritional supplements, their basic characteristics and the benefits we can obtain from them.

Characteristics

Nutritional supplements are marketed worldwide in different formats, among the most popular are capsules, tablets, powders and liquids. Generally, two basic classifications are used to distinguish this type of supplements, dietary and nutritional.

The dietary classification responds to a composition that focuses mostly on vitamins, minerals and other nutrients commonly found in food. When our diet is not sufficiently balanced and these nutrients cannot be easily acquired by the person, dietary supplements are often used to help supplement the deficit of these nutrients.

Supplements that are properly recognized as nutritional are more loaded with amino acids, essential fatty acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes and other nutrients. These supplements are very useful to improve our digestive health, increase our energy, strengthen the immune system and prevent the onset of various diseases.

Nutritional supplements are a complement, not a substitute.

It is important to keep in mind that nutritional supplements should never be used as a substitute for a balanced diet. The ease of acquiring scarce nutrients from them should be taken advantage of to complement our dietary plans if required. Nutritional supplements cannot replace the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet, which is why the key to maintaining good nutrition will always be in our diet.

When should I use nutritional supplements?

Knowing exactly when to use nutritional supplements is not a very simple task. Everything will depend on several factors such as the type of diet you have, your daily physical activity, the particularities of your body, etc. All the compounds that you can acquire through supplementation are also found in the food you eat. If you are able to maintain a balanced diet, where you incorporate nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, it is very likely that you will not need supplementation.

If you have any doubts, it is important that you consult a specialist. Keep in mind that the human body is a very complex machinery, your state of health is crucial when choosing a supplementation that suits your needs, otherwise it is very likely to waste your money on supplements that you get on a regular basis through your diet.

You should also take into account if you are going through a complex moment, diseases demand the consumption of minerals that strengthen our immune system. Biological periods such as pregnancy or menstruation influence the loss of various compounds that are essential for the normal functioning of our body. Some people may also have diseases that act on the retention of certain vitamins and minerals. Taking all this into account, it is advisable to have the supervision of a specialist who will indicate whether or not there is a need for supplementation.