All-Year Supplements: Are They Useful or Not?

food products are formulated with substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, capable of helping to improve the well-being of the organism. Their role is to support the common diet, as they constitute a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals or other functional ingredients, such as amino acids, essential fatty acids, fibers, extracts of plant origin, etc.

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The useful food supplements available on the market respond to various kinds of needs and, also for this reason, their consumption has increased significantly in recent years. The use of supplementation is often supported by the erroneous belief that the intake of these products represents a simple and relatively cheap way to stay in shape. In fact, when there is a real deficiency or a particular physiological state, food supplements can give really an important contribution, but the correct approach should always include taking it after consulting a doctor. Furthermore, it is important to underline that these products cannot be considered as an "alternative to healthy and balanced lifestyle habits; in the same way, food supplements cannot be compared to drugs and therapeutic remedies to cure or cure a certain pathology.

There must NOT be any health claims attributing to the product any property to prevent, treat or cure a specific pathology in humans.

Although they are freely sold in pharmacies (without a prescription), it is always advisable to consult your doctor before using them. Available in the form of capsules, tablets, powders or drops, in pre-dosed quantities in order to optimize their effect and facilitate their use, these products meet specific nutritional or physiological needs.

, minerals, etc.) or physiological (such as plant extracts), alone or in combination. However, it is equally important that consumption is responsible and aware.

In general, food supplements are useful in case it is necessary to:

• Correct nutritional deficiencies or maintain an adequate intake of some nutrients;
• Improve metabolism and assist specific physiological functions of the organism;
• Supply substances of nutritional interest with a protective or trophic effect.