Therefore, these are not medicines, although they too are subject to strict regulation by the current legislation in force.
The food supplements market is extremely broad, it includes products suitable for the most varied needs and containing ingredients of different types. In no case, however, these products can be considered as an "alternative to healthy and balanced lifestyle habits and even less as a remedy to stem or repair the damage caused by the incorrect habits mentioned above.
The correct approach for the right use of food supplements, therefore, involves first of all the knowledge of these products (what are they? What is their purpose?) And, secondly, the ability of the consumer to understand when he can freely take similar products. and when, on the other hand, it is necessary to consult a doctor in advance. Although they are not drugs, in fact, even food supplements can give rise to side effects and can have various contraindications. For this reason, in case of doubts and in the presence of pathologies, disorders or particular conditions (for example, pregnancy and breastfeeding), the consultation of the doctor is essential.
intended to supplement the common diet and which constitute a concentrated source of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, or of other substances having a nutritional or physiological effect, in particular, but not exclusively, amino acids, essential fatty acids, fibers and extracts of vegetable origin, both single and multi-compound, in pre-dosed forms"(source: Ministry of Health - Food supplements and ministerial guidelines).
Food supplements can be formulated in the form of tablets, effervescent tablets, capsules, gummy candies, powders (in containers with measuring cups, or in single-dose sachets) and solutions (generally, inside single-dose vials).
These are free sale products, marketed both in pharmacies and parapharmacies (including online) and in herbalist's shops, supermarkets and other shops, both physical and online.
, supplements for vegetarians or vegans) or other treatments, as well as can be used to support the body's functions in particularly intense and / or stressful periods (for example, sports supplements, memory supplements, etc.). in this regard, however, it should be pointed out that the response to the "intake of" food supplements could vary from individual to individual; for this reason, it is not possible to state that the "intake of food supplements is always useful, in all people and in any situation.; vitamins of group B (B1, B2, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, folic acid and B12); C vitamin; vitamin D; Vitamin E; vitamin K.
- Minerals: often associated with vitamins within the well-known dietary supplements of vitamins and minerals, the current legislation provides for the possibility of including the following minerals in the ingredients of these products: calcium; magnesium; iodine; iron; copper; zinc; manganese ; sodium; potassium; selenium; chromium; molybdenum; silicon; boron; fluoride and chloride.
- Amino acids: essential and branched amino acids can also be part of the composition of food supplements. Examples of amino acids that can be found within these products are valine, leucine, isoleucine, arginine, carnitine, cysteine, etc. However, it should be remembered that, in most cases, the above amino acids mentioned are found in the form of salts or derivatives and not in pure form.
- Omega series fatty acids: these are essential fatty acids. Food supplements mainly contain omega-3 fatty acids in association or not with omega-6 fatty acids. However, the lack of the latter is generally rare, which is why omega-3s are often preferred as supplement ingredients.
- Prebiotics and probiotics: they are used to favor and restore the normal balance of the intestinal bacterial flora which can be altered due to stress, taking drugs (antibiotics), etc.
- Herbs, extracts and other herbal preparations: the herbs and their derivatives that can be used in food supplements are really many, varying according to the type of product you want to create. To cite a few examples, there are food supplements containing parts, extracts or derivatives of psyllium, ginkgo, blueberry, grape, valerian, ginseng, eleutherococcus, hawthorn, turmeric, ginger, etc.
- Other active substances not included in the above categories: a well-known example is given by coenzyme Q10, but also by some types of enzymes (for example, bromelain), phytosterols, flavonoids, phospholipids, melatonin, etc.
