Dietary supplements are products intended to integrate a normal diet in healthy people. Let’s see in more detail which kind of support they can give to our well-being.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are products intended to integrate a normal diet in healthy people. They are not designed to prevent or cure any disease but just to support a general well-being: if an individual follows a varied and well-balanced diet and have a regular physical activity there is no need to take a dietary supplement. However, they might help supporting us in particular conditions such as too much sweating during summertime, or in stressful/recovery situations.

On the market they can be present in several formulations:

  • tablets;
  • powders;
  • liquids.

In single or multiple doses.

Dietary supplements can be made up of:

  • vitamins, such as vitamin C
  • minerals and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc;
  • vitamin-like substances, such as coenzyme Q10;
  • fatty acids;
  • protein components
  • carbohydrates;
  • other ingredients.

Different supplements for different supports

Keep in mind that a dietary supplement will never be a substitute of a healthy lifestyle: varied and balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Even with an healthy lifestyle, how a dietary supplement can help you?

Dietary supplements supporting muscle function

Enhanced muscular function and muscular recovery after physical activity or exercise can be achieved by a support with a specific dietary supplement aiming to:

  • support strenght or endurance;
  • help exercise efficiency;
  • achieve a performance goal;
  • maintain tolerance for more intense training.

For example creatine has an important role in muscle energy supply. Moreover, creatine might be helpful to support your muscle functions also after 50.

Along with ingredients such as creatine, it is possible to find also vitamins and minerals (multivitamin/mineral) to provide a more complete and specific product.

Dietary supplements contributing to immune system well-being

In case of cold temperatures, during the change of season, or just for an extra support for our immune system, it is possible to try specific supplements containing minerals such as zinc and vitamins such as vitamin C which contribute to the well-being of our immune system.

Dietary supplements preserving electrolyte balance

During summertime when the environmental temperatures rise we might lose liquids and salts through sweating. Therefore it is important to replenish the loss of salts and fluids. The first advice is to drink large amount of water. However, in case of an extra support to preserve our electolytic balance, it is possible to try a specific dietary supplement containing mineral salts, such as magnesium and potassium.

Dietary supplements supporting mental and physical well-being

During spring and fall, changes in natural sunlight exposure may lead some people to feel tired and in a bad mood. In such a case it might be useful to get an extra support from a dietary supplement containing antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol, vitamins and minerals for a mental and physical well-being in adulthood and after 50s.

Dietary supplements don’t need a prescription, however for a more personalized choice seek your pharmacist’s advice.