The Basics of Food Supplements
Food Supplements > >The Basics of Food Supplements
There are many types of food supplements out there, and as a consumer you have many choices in the types of food supplements you consume and how you consume them. Whether you are using a daily multivitamin, a specialized micro supplement (like a weekly calcium food supplement or omega 3 fatty acid), or enjoy using one of the now common micro nutrient fortified “sport” or “energy” drinks on the market, it pays to know exactly what the food supplements that you are taking into your body are and what they can do for you (or, for that matter to you).
While many of these food supplements can have a positive effect (or at least a perceived positive effect) on those who use them it is still important to know exactly what these food supplements are and how they interact with the human metabolism. If you are considering taking a new supplement, or something that contains a food supplement that you are not familiar with, there are many sources of information out there that can provide you with information regarding the particular food supplements you are interested in.
The best source of information is a licensed medical practitioner (like your family doctor, for example). Your doctor has nothing to gain from your purchase of any particular food supplements, and therefore has no interest in “marketing” a particular food supplement to you. He should be able to provide insight that is unbiased and balanced regarding all health matters, and may even be able to suggest courses of action you can be taking or food supplements that might be of interest to you due to the fact that he has intimate knowledge of your medical history and your health needs.
There are also many websites on the net that provide health related discussion boards and knowledge bases, and you should be able to find many unbiased individuals who have experience with particular food supplements that you are interested in. Keep in mind, however, that discussions on the internet are no substitute for discussing your health concerns with a licensed medical practitioner when referring to matters which could potentially cause bodily harm of health problems.