A supplement is a substance that is taken as an augmentation to something else. Among its function is to strengthen and to increase the lifespan of the whole unit. It is frequently added whenever a deficiency of the same exists. Nutritional supplements are some of the most commonly used. Their main function is in body building. The main examples include minerals salts, amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins.
Healthy persons do not usually require the extra minerals under normal circumstances. This is because the nutrients taken in meals are absorbed wholly. Such minerals are recommended for persons who are unable to absorb the nutrients in the diet for one reason or another. Commonly this is the result of allergies or malabsorption syndromes. Healthy persons may only require augmentation if the same are deficient in their diets.
While most supplements are effective, there is a certain proportion that is not. For example, chondroitin and glucosamine are widely marketed as pain relievers but most users say that there very little benefit if any and they have to use other painkillers as well.
The harmful effects of supplementation are related to excessive intake. Their accumulation and toxicity could be as a result of taking more than the dose required, in addition to the fact that some of the nutrients are already contained in the normal diet. Also, nutrients are rapidly absorbed causing accumulation. Studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation predisposes one to prostate cancer. There is also a greater risk of heart attack in using calcium supplementation.
There are several types of supplements that are used mainly for athlete muscle building. In these athletes they are used to either gain or lose weight. They are also effective in facilitating meal replacement and as a result leading to improved performance. The main types of nutrients used here include creatinine, protein, glutamine, amino acids, testosterone boosters, essential fatty acids and vitamins. These are available either as single units or stacks. Blending the nutrients leads to synergism.
Powdered proteins are the main form of supplements used by body builders. This powder is mixed with other components such as water, milk and juice in varying proportions. The body builders use them before and after workouts. Casein is a form of protein usually taken before bedtime. Proteins cause an increase in muscle growth.
Essential fatty acids are important as supplements since they cannot be synthesised by the body and have to be obtained from the diet. Salmon and trout fish types are rich in such nutrients. In addition, pumpkin seeds and walnut contain these fatty acids for supplementation.
Healthy persons do not usually require the extra minerals under normal circumstances. This is because the nutrients taken in meals are absorbed wholly. Such minerals are recommended for persons who are unable to absorb the nutrients in the diet for one reason or another. Commonly this is the result of allergies or malabsorption syndromes. Healthy persons may only require augmentation if the same are deficient in their diets.
While most supplements are effective, there is a certain proportion that is not. For example, chondroitin and glucosamine are widely marketed as pain relievers but most users say that there very little benefit if any and they have to use other painkillers as well.
The harmful effects of supplementation are related to excessive intake. Their accumulation and toxicity could be as a result of taking more than the dose required, in addition to the fact that some of the nutrients are already contained in the normal diet. Also, nutrients are rapidly absorbed causing accumulation. Studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation predisposes one to prostate cancer. There is also a greater risk of heart attack in using calcium supplementation.
There are several types of supplements that are used mainly for athlete muscle building. In these athletes they are used to either gain or lose weight. They are also effective in facilitating meal replacement and as a result leading to improved performance. The main types of nutrients used here include creatinine, protein, glutamine, amino acids, testosterone boosters, essential fatty acids and vitamins. These are available either as single units or stacks. Blending the nutrients leads to synergism.
Powdered proteins are the main form of supplements used by body builders. This powder is mixed with other components such as water, milk and juice in varying proportions. The body builders use them before and after workouts. Casein is a form of protein usually taken before bedtime. Proteins cause an increase in muscle growth.
Essential fatty acids are important as supplements since they cannot be synthesised by the body and have to be obtained from the diet. Salmon and trout fish types are rich in such nutrients. In addition, pumpkin seeds and walnut contain these fatty acids for supplementation.
