Nutritional Supplements: What They Are and When You Should Use Them

Nutritional supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, promising everything from improving physical performance to strengthening the immune system. However, it is essential to understand what they are, what they are used for, and how to use them properly to obtain benefits without health risks.

What are nutritional supplements?
Nutritional supplements are products containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. They are not designed to replace a balanced diet, but rather to provide specific nutrients that may be absent or in insufficient amounts in the diet.

Who can benefit from supplements?

1. People with nutritional deficiencies:
   For example, those with iron deficiency anemia may benefit from iron supplements.
2. Athletes and people with high physical activity:
   Athletes often require higher amounts of certain nutrients such as protein or amino acids.
3. Specific groups:
   Pregnant women may require folic acid and iron, while older adults often benefit from vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Risks of improper use of supplements
Although supplements can be helpful, using them without medical supervision can cause health problems, such as vitamin overdose poisoning or drug interactions. For example, consuming high doses of vitamin A can be toxic, and taking too much calcium supplements can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Nutritional supplements can be important allies in health, but they should be used with caution and always under the recommendation of a doctor. The key is to maintain a balanced diet and use supplements as a support, not as a substitute.