Despite the fact that these are products widely marketed and used by many people, the debate regarding their real usefulness is still heated. If on the one hand there are those who consider them completely useless as long as a balanced and balanced diet is followed, on the other hand there are those who instead support their use, since, nowadays, it is difficult for individuals to follow such a varied and balanced diet. correct to ensure the sufficient supply of micronutrients such as vitamins. Furthermore, subjects who follow particular diets or who are in conditions of increased need may need to resort to vitamin supplementation with products of this type.
- in cases in which there is a deficiency or in any case a decrease in the levels of the same which can occur in case of reduced or inadequate intake with the diet or in case of increased need.
However, it must be considered that, in general, the diet of Italians would be able overall to meet the minimum recommended intake levels. On the other hand, it is true that not all people follow a correct diet, while others follow particular dietary patterns (for example, vegan diet, diet without fruit and vegetables, etc.) which cannot guarantee the right intake of all nutrients. - vitamins included - which the body needs.
Furthermore, for some subjects (for example, sportsmen, pregnant women, etc.), the vitamin requirement is greater and only a truly varied and balanced diet - often difficult to follow - can satisfy this need. For this reason, in similar situations, the use of vitamin supplements can be useful.
In any case, before starting to take food supplements of any kind, it is good to follow the following advice:
- Optimize your diet, trying to make it as varied and balanced as possible. In this regard, it may also be useful to contact specialized professionals. At the same time, it is important to correct your lifestyle by adopting healthy habits. Vitamin supplements, in fact, should not be intended as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet, nor should they be intended as remedies to be used in case of incorrect habits.
- Make sure that there are no contraindications to supplementing vitamins. In the presence of particular disorders, pathologies or conditions (for example, the presence of allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.), as well as in the case of pharmacological therapies in progress (due to possible interactions), taking vitamin supplements could, in fact, be unsuitable or even dangerous. In such situations, therefore, before taking vitamin supplements, it is always advisable to seek the doctor's prior opinion.
- If you decide to proceed with the integration of vitamins, always respect the recommended doses. The same applies to the duration of the treatment which, unless otherwise indicated by a doctor, should not continue for excessively prolonged periods.
DIET example 1
2083 Kcal (50% carbohydrates, 30% fats and 20% proteins)
Breakfast
- Caffelatte with skimmed milk 300 g
- Sugar 10 g
- Durum wheat bread 50 g
- Jam 30 g
Mid-morning snack
- Kiwi 100 g
- Dried walnuts 15 g
Lunch
- Parboiled rice 100 g
- Tomato and basil 50 g
- Grated Parmesan cheese 20 g
- Turnip broccoli 150 g
- Salad tomatoes 200 g
- Olive oil 10 g
- Grilled or boiled trout 150 g
- Olive oil + lemon 10 g
Afternoon snack
- Semi-skimmed milk yogurt 130 g
- Apple 200 g
Dinner
- Bread with olives 100 g
- Canned beans 150 g
- Corn oil 10 g
- Banana 70 g
- Strawberries 150 g
DIET Example 2
2510 Kcal (53% carbohydrates, 28% fats and 19% proteins)
Breakfast
- Partially skimmed cow's milk 300 g
- Muesli 50 g
- Hazelnuts 10 g
Mid-morning snack
- Strawberries 150 g
- Low-fat milk yogurt with fruit 250 g
Lunch
- Generic semolina pasta 150 g
- Grated Parmesan cheese 20 g
- Tomato and basil 50 g
- Yellow peppers 200 g
- Olive oil 20 g
- Chicken breast 150 g
Afternoon snack
- Pine nuts 10 g
- Apple 200 g
Dinner
- Wholemeal bread 150 g
- Two whole chicken eggs 120 g
- Corn oil 10 g
- Kiwi 100 g
