What are Dietary Supplements?

The term 'dietary supplementation' is defined by the Food and Nutrition Safety Act. According to this document, dietary supplements are classified as food products and can be sold in any grocery store. The purpose of these supplements is to enrich our daily diet, but not replace a full meal. Dietary supplementations in the form of tablets, capsules, powder or liquid are intended to provide the body with missing compounds. They are often used as an aid for weight loss, to enhance learning abilities, to fortify weak hair and nails, and to alleviate joint discomfort. They are frequently available in pharmacies, which may lead to confusion with medications, although they are not a form of medication. Dietary supplements are not medications and are approved for circulation by the Chief Sanitary Inspector.

The most popular dietary supplements contain vitamins, macro- and micro-nutrient constituents (e.g. magnesium), minerals, fats, enzymes, plant extracts (e.g. acai berries - weight loss dietary supplement), anything that can support the body in some way. European Union legislation precisely defines the composition and form in which they can be manufactured. Medicines differ from supplements in the active ingredient and dosage. Preparations sometimes differ in the amount of the active ingredient, and this same difference determines whether a substance is a medicine or a supplement.

Before purchasing a product, it is advisable to verify if it is listed in the Register of registered dietary supplements, which can be found on the website of the main health inspectorate. It is recommended to choose dietary supplements from well-known manufacturers, as large production companies cannot afford a bad reputation. When purchasing products from reputable manufacturers, we can be sure of their highest quality. The best place to buy dietary supplements are trusted sources, including a reputable and widely known dietary supplement store. It is worth carefully reading the ingredients and recommended dosage to know how to use the purchased product. The most reliable dietary supplements are those that have a certificate from the Office for the Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, the Institute of Food and Nutrition, the Institute of Plant and Herbal Products, as well as other certificates from research laboratories. The regulations regarding dietary supplements are not as restrictive as in the case of drugs. To introduce a dietary supplement on the market, one must inform the main health inspectorate. The manufacturer of dietary supplements is responsible for the quality of the product, as well as for the content of brochures and advertisements. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to what we are buying, read the product descriptions, and purchase dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers. It is also important to remember that dietary supplements cannot replace a healthy balanced diet, and the use of dietary supplements alone will not lead to weight loss or improvement of well-being. A change in eating habits is necessary to improve the quality of life.

In specific situations, the use of dietary supplements is justified and even required. Individuals following elimination diets and those with an elevated need for nutrients, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or athletes, can be mentioned here. It is also demanding to develop muscle mass by adhering solely to a balanced diet, which makes protein supplementation indispensable. A poorly balanced vegetarian diet and its strict variations (veganism, fruitarianism) do not supply the body with vitamin B12, which is exclusively present in animal products and is necessary for generating red and white blood cells. Its absence can result in the emergence of malignant anemia (megaloblastic). In such situations, supplementation is mandatory. However, it is not only in the previously mentioned conditions that one should consume dietary supplements. Due to the prevalent deficiency of vitamin D in Poland, it is recommended to supplement it universally - compulsorily from October to March or, if necessary, throughout the year. In fact, in present times, additional supplementation is necessary for most individuals. This is increasingly being attributed to numerous nutrient deficiencies, partly due to poor dietary habits and a diet based on highly processed foods. However, it is crucial to note that the vitamins and mineral components present in food are substantially ruined during storage, initial processing - cutting, washing, peeling, and thermal processing - boiling, baking, steaming, etc. Additionally, soils are progressively being drained of mineral compounds, resulting in food also being deficient.

There are numerous types of dietary supplements available in the market that support the digestive system, the circulatory system, the immune system, aid in weight reduction, build muscle mass, or are intended for specific groups: pregnant women, athletes, the elderly. It is essential to take these supplements judiciously. The most crucial aspect is adhering to the recommended doses. Both a deficiency and an excess of individual nutrients can have less or more negative side effects. It is also essential to select supplements appropriately. Supplementation should only include those nutrients that the body lacks and should be taken at specific times of the day. Taking supplements before, during, or after a meal may be significant for their effective absorption in the body. Supplements should only be taken with water. It is best to seek the advice of a specialist – doctor, pharmacist, or dietitian – before selecting a supplement.

In the present times, where nutrient deficiencies are frequently encountered, additional supplementation is very often justified and even necessary in certain circumstances. It is unequivocally recommended to regularly consume supplements containing vitamin D, especially during the autumn-winter period. It is crucial to judiciously use dietary supplements in accordance with the recommended quantities. It is best to choose supplements from reputable and esteemed manufacturers. It is important to remember that dietary supplements should not be regarded as a replacement for a balanced and varied diet, but merely as a supplement.