In a world where nutritional balance is often offset by fast-paced lifestyles and processed foods, dietary supplements stand as guardians of health, filling the gaps in our daily diets. With a significant portion of the U.S. population grappling with nutrient deficiencies, supplements not only offer a practical solution to meet daily nutritional requirements but also enhance overall well-being. This article explores the essential role of dietary supplements, addresses common deficiencies, and discusses their popularity and safety, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed choices.
FAQs
Are dietary supplements actually necessary?
Yes, dietary supplements play a crucial role in supporting overall health, especially when nutritional deficiencies are present.
What are the most common dietary deficiencies?
A notable percentage of the U.S. population faces vitamin deficiencies, along with anemia. About 5.0%, 6.2%, and 8.9% of people are low in vitamins B12, C, and D, respectively, and 4.3% are experiencing anemia, according to a study.
Are supplements beneficial beyond addressing deficiencies?
Yes! Dietary supplements can provide essential nutrients like vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and more, all of which are important for your body.
How popular are dietary supplements?
You're in good company, the number of dietary supplements sold in the U.S. has increased significantly over the years, with approximately 150 million people using them on a daily basis.
Are there risks associated with dietary supplements?
Yes, there are risks, including misleading claims, inaccurate labeling, and the presence of undisclosed components.
A study of 30 Amazon dietary supplements for immune support found 17 with inaccurate labels, 13 misbranded, and 9 containing undisclosed components. Label claims often exceeded allowed limits, lacking scientific citation, and no third-party certification was found. Using the Operation Supplement Safety Scorecard, only 13 out of 30 were rated as "likely okay/less risky." With this in mind, it's important to stay informed about the supplements you take.
How can I avoid the risks and shop for supplements safely?
1. Do your research
Check if the company making the supplement is trustworthy and follows rules for quality.
2. Look at the Ingredients
Make sure your supplements are made up of only the essential nutrients you need and are free from unnecessary additives.
3. Check for Testing
Find out if your supplements have undergone third-party testing for quality and purity with certification seals from reputable organizations.
4. Verify Claims
Make sure any claims about the supplement's health benefits are backed up by science and confirmed by experts.
5. Read the Label
Check the label on the supplement to see if it's clear and honest about what's inside and how much to take.
At Haroutine, what you see is what you get. Our liposomal supplements are safe, science-backed, clinically-formulated and above all, good for you.
works cited:
Bird, Julia, et al. “Risk of Deficiency in Multiple Concurrent Micronutrients in Children and Adults in the United States.” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 7, 24 June 2017, p. 655, www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/7/655, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9070655.
Crawford, Cindy, et al. “Analysis of Select Dietary Supplement Products Marketed to Support or Boost the Immune System.” JAMA Network Open, vol. 5, no. 8, 10 Aug. 2022, pp. e2226040–e2226040, jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2794987, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.26040.
“FTC Warns Almost 700 Marketing Companies That They Could Face Civil Penalties If They Can’t Back up Their Product Claims.” Federal Trade Commission, 12 Apr. 2023, www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/04/ftc-warns-almost-700-marketing-companies-they-could-face-civil-penalties-if-they-cant-back-their.
Starr, Ranjani R. “Too Little, Too Late: Ineffective Regulation of Dietary Supplements in the United States.” American Journal of Public Health, vol. 105, no. 3, Mar. 2015, pp. 478–485, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4330859/, https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2014.302348.
