What is a food supplement? Food supplement is a complement, nutrition and not a substitute for food. Food supplements in general, including vitamins (eg vitamin C) and minerals, Botanical (eg herbs and plant products), and the substance or substances derived from natural sources (eg, milk whey and glucosamine).

Supplements are not drugs. Drugs are chemicals that are used to cure a disease and ease the pain inflicted. Drugs are substances that work hard enough for the body and often have side effects. Therefore, the uses of drugs usually have a doctor's prescription. While most of the supplements work as nutritional supplements in addition to the food consumed daily. People consume food supplement in some health conditions. Consumption of multivitamin and multimineral dietary supplements useful for and prevent disease. For example Vitamin C is believed to prevent and relieve fever. Supplements are also a substance that helps optimize the body function and hormones.

Are health food supplements safe to consume?

Overall, health experts claim that dietary supplements are safe for consumption. The reason is that the substances contained therein are natural substances. Moreover, some supplement manufacturers have been doing intensive research on the various products of their supplements.

However, even though dietary supplement proven safe and efficacious to prevent the disease does not mean you can avoid conventional medicine and only relying on regular food supplements. Always consult your doctor first, especially if you intend to combine food supplements along with medicines for your health care. For example, the consultation is very important for pregnant woman and breastfeeding mothers.

Examples of the use of food supplements, such as to strengthen the immune system used supplements of vitamins A, vitamin C. To eliminate toxins (detoxification) is used supplements beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and chlorophyll, overcoming inflammation of vitamin E supplement use and vitamin C.

Who needs food supplement?

Supplements needed by all ages, whether young or old. Older people tend to decrease production of hormones and body functions, so the need supplements to help the body function optimally and prevent disease.

As for the children supplements are usually given if the child's diet daily menu incomplete. If the child has a good appetite and has a complete daily menu certainly does not need food supplement. Children need food supplements if they are not getting adequate vitamin intake, for example picky eater.

But not all supplements are safe to consume excessive (megadosis). Group vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K are fat soluble should not be consumed excessively. In certain circumstances, consultation with a doctor about the appropriate use of supplements is very important.

Importance of quality

It is important for you to get the food supplements of high quality because the quality of each supplement is different. So many big and small companies who produce the food supplement. Buy health food supplements from companies with a good reputation is one alternative for the selection of quality supplements. It is important to check the contents and expiration date on the packaging. Even though as a complement, of course you better get the best food supplement.