Dietary supplements are also called nutritional, bodybuilding or food supplements. They are designed to supplement the diet and offer the body the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids or fiber that it may be lacking in. In some areas of the world, the pills are classified as food. In others, they are classified as natural drugs or health products.
Overall, these blends are used to account for what is missing in the human body or what cannot be taken in through diets that exclude certain foods. These are generally not recommended for use as replacement of natural products or healthy diets. They can be beneficial to those with food allergies or other health problems that cause deficiency, regardless of diet.
The products are also used a lot in the bodybuilding world and in the athletic industry. In these cases, supplements can be employed as replacement of meals. They might also be employed to initiate weight gain or promote weight loss. In either case, the purpose is to improve overall athletic performance. The most common of these: vitamin supplements, testosterone boosters, glutamine, creatine, essential fatty acids, meal-replacement products, weight-loss products, and protein.
The products may be sold in bulk quantities or individually. Products containing basic formulas are usually available at many stores. Blends that are more complex may be available only through speciality health or online stores, or in limited quantities. These products are typically manufactured in pill, powder or liquid forms. Usually the form is based on the ingredients that are blended together. Prices will range and may be relevant to the supplier or formula.
In America, products are given this title based solely on their ingredients. That is, they must be designed to improve diet or nutrition of the user. They must also include one or multiple of the following: substance to supplement diet, herb or botanical, amino acids or vitamins. It should also have a concentrate, extract, constituent, metabolite or a combination of these components.
Products are meant to be ingested in the powder, pill, liquid or capsule forms. For the most part, these should not be used to replace meals or standard food. These blends should include labeling that says they are dietary supplements so consumers are aware of proper usage.
Supplements are used commonly in the world of athletics and health. It is meant to offer a specific set of minerals, vitamins, fiber, amino acids and fatty acids that may be lacking the body. This type of product should not be used as a replacement for meals or regular food.
