What are nutritional supplements?

Dietary supplements are products that contain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber or amino acids, in a concentrated form. They are intended to supplement nutrition and not to replace meals. They are often used to meet specific nutritional needs, for example when deficient in certain nutrients or for specific goals, such as weight management or performance enhancement.

What effects does a shortage of nutrients have in your diet?

A deficiency of nutrients in the diet can lead to various health problems, depending on the specific nutrient that is missing. A few well-known examples are:

• Vitamin C deficiency: a vitamin C deficiency can lead to fatigue, muscle pain, pale skin and an increased risk of infections.
• Iron deficiency: a deficiency of iron can lead to anemia, fatigue, palpitations and concentration problems.
• Calcium deficiency: A lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis and bone loss, especially in older adults.
• Vitamin D deficiency: a deficiency of vitamin D can lead to weakened bones, muscle pain and fatigue. B vitamin deficiencies: a deficiency of B vitamins can lead to fatigue, concentration problems, memory problems and mood swings.
• Zinc deficiency: A zinc deficiency can lead to a reduced immune system, reduced growth and development and skin problems.

What are the positive effects of nutritional supplements?

Dietary supplements can have positive effects on health, depending on the specific needs of the person, such as:

• Improve heart health: Some supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may help improve heart health and lower the risk of heart disease.
• Immune system support: Supplements such as vitamin C and zinc can help support the immune system and reduce the risk of illness.
• Improving muscle and bone health: Supplements such as calcium and vitamin D can help improve muscle and bone health, especially in older adults.
• Improving mental health: Some supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, can help improve mental health and reduce symptoms of stress and depression.
• Support eye health: Supplements such as vitamins A and C and lutein can help support eye health and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.

How do I know which nutritional supplements I need?

To determine which nutritional supplements you need, it is best to consult a doctor or dietician. They can help you determine your specific nutritional needs and which supplements are best for you. This takes into account your age, gender, activity level, health status and dietary habits.

Some people may need extra nutrients, such as pregnant women, the elderly, vegetarians or vegans, athletes, or people with certain medical conditions. In such cases, nutritional supplements may be useful to meet specific nutritional needs.

Orthomolecular research and nutritional supplements

Orthomolecular medicine is an approach to health that focuses on using nutrients to treat disease and improve health. Orthomolecular research involves the study of the biochemistry and physiology of nutrients and how they affect our health.

Nutritional supplements are seen in orthomolecular medicine as a way to meet specific nutritional needs and help prevent or treat certain conditions. Orthomolecular research strives to determine which nutrients and dosages are needed for optimal health.

Where can I do orthomolecular research?

Orthomolecular research can be carried out by medical professionals who have specialized in orthomolecular medicine, such as doctors, dieticians or naturopaths. These professionals can help you determine your specific nutritional needs and which supplements are best for you.

There are also orthomolecular centers or practices that specifically focus on orthomolecular medicine and that offer orthomolecular research. They can also guide you in improving your diet and lifestyle and help you determine your specific nutritional needs.

Nutritional supplements that you should pay attention to?

When choosing nutritional supplements it is important to pay attention to:

1. Quality: Choose supplements from reliable brands and avoid cheap products without clear information about the contents.
2. Dosage: Make sure the dosage corresponds to the recommended amount and pay attention to the composition of the supplement.
3. Active ingredients: Make sure you know what the active ingredients are in the supplement and whether enough research has been done on it.
4. Possible side effects: Note whether there are any known side effects and whether there are warnings for certain groups of people, such as pregnant women or children.
5. Personal health: Always consult with your doctor before starting to use any supplement, especially if you have a chronic condition or are taking medications.

Do you always need nutritional supplements?

It is important to remember that nutritional supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and that it is always better to obtain nutrients from food than from supplements. It is therefore recommended to maintain a healthy and varied diet and to use nutritional supplements only as a supplement to the diet, after consultation with a doctor or dietician.

Would you like to know more about the usefulness of nutritional supplements or personal advice? I work together with various orthomolecular experts and research laboratories. This way I can give you tailor-made advice that matches exactly what your body needs.