We talked about it in a previous articleIn the world of supplements, as in any industry, quality of manufacture and ingredients play a vital role in the end result. But in the world of supplements, as in any industry, manufacturing quality and ingredients play an essential role in the end result.
The question when it comes to sourcing is: how do you make the right choice?
What are the criteria for choosing between good and bad supplements?
In this article, we'll try to provide you with the information you need to understand the composition of dietary supplements and make informed choices.
What are supplements made of?
Dietary supplements are sold in three main forms: liquid, powder and tablets. In most cases, they are composed of one or more active ingredients, and should contain nothing else.
Some examples, Coxadolour supplement for osteoarthritis and osteoarticular inflammation, is composed of the following elements:
- 750 mg extract of Harpagophytum (plant), containing 20% harpagoside (fundamental active ingredient). This gives a concentration of 150 mg of active ingredient.
- Vitamin C as antioxidant
- Vegetable crystalline cellulose to stabilize tablets
The exact nature of the ingredients in dietary supplements should always be clearly stated on the packaging or on the manufacturer's or retailer's website. An unclear composition is a strong indication that the product in question should be avoided.
Food supplements vs. medicines
First of all, it's important to distinguish between a dietary supplement and a drug. In fact, it's not always so obvious. Drugs and supplements are both identical and very different.
Drugs are essentially chemicals designed to treat a disease or imbalance, while supplements are simply an extension of your diet, a response to necessary dietary needs.
What is a medicine?
Medicines generally require specific research and laboratory testing before they can be marketed. Medicines, as foreign substances, can unbalance the body and/or brain and are taken on medical prescription.
What is a supplement?
Food supplements, on the other hand, are part of your diet, providing the body with the right vitamins and minerals to help repair cells and ensure overall good health.
Medicines and supplements are therefore different from each other and have distinct functions. However, this does not mean that the manufacture of supplements is not as "serious" as that of medicines - far from it. Standards are in force, and like medicines, food supplements are manufactured in laboratories under strict hygiene conditions.
How are dietary supplements digested?
It all depends on what you need and what you want to achieve. Tablets designed to act on the stomach will naturally dissolve before reaching the intestines. Other supplements, such as those offered by ProFeel Life are designed to act in the intestines. In this case, they are said to be gastro-resistant: they resist the acidic pH of the stomach and dissolve in the intestine.
What's more, to maximize nutrient absorption, supplements should be taken with food. Taking them with a meal can help you get the most out of your supplement.
Indications and contraindications
Another important point to bear in mind is the indications and, above all, contraindications of supplements. After all, natural does not necessarily mean harmless. While dietary supplements are beneficial in many situations, some active ingredients are not suitable for certain conditions or illnesses.
This is particularly true of pregnant people, whose physiological changes due to pregnancy may limit the consumption of certain foods or vitamins. Finally, it goes without saying that if you are allergic to any of the substances contained in a supplement, it is strongly recommended that you do not consume it.
Choosing a daily ally
Food supplements are everyday allies. They can solve a specific problem, or support a healthy diet and regular physical activity to enhance well-being and improve life in the long term. Their natural origin means that the body does not try to get rid of them, as is the case with certain drugs that damage the liver or kidneys, but instead assimilates them perfectly into the body.
Sources
- https://www.pinkvilla.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/supplements-vs-medicines-what-are-differences-between-these-two-expert-weighs-778553
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/
