Nutritional Supplements: Top 5 Health Reasons

Whether you are taking dietary supplements for a specific reason or rounding out an overall healthy lifestyle including a well-balanced diet and routine exercise, the practice of taking dietary supplements has certainly become mainstream. More than 150 million Americans are stocking their shelves and pantries with dietary supplements each year. Curious to know why so many consumers are taking these products?

According to a recent survey 1, the top five health reasons consumers are taking nutritional or dietary supplements are:

1. Overall health/wellness benefits(59%): You wouldn’t take your car out on the road without gassing it up, checking the oil, or taking out an insurance policy, would you? Think of your body and overall health in the same way. Dietary supplements act as an insurance policy, making sure the body has all the proper nutrients to run at its best. Pair supplements with other wellness habits, such as a healthy diet and daily exercise to ensure optimal health.

• Consider: Multivitamin, Anti-oxidants, Fiber

2. To fill in nutrient gaps in the diet(42%): It’s no secret the pace of every day life keeps most consumers constantly on the go, making it hard to always obtain all the proper nutrients from diet alone. Even with the best intentions, it can be hard for the average consumer to eat properly every day. Taking supplements can help you cover all your nutritional bases.

• Consider: Multivitamin, Vitamin D, Omega-3 Fats, and Calcium

3. Immune Health (28%): When your immune system gets run down, it is possible you may find yourself not feeling your best. Stay proactive in your wellness regimen by engaging in smart healthy habits now rather then when you get sick. Dietary supplements help give your immune system the proper nutrients it needs to be up and running at full speed.

• Consider: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Probiotics, and immune supporting botanicals

4. Energy (28%): Energy comes from a combination of healthy habits and taking supplements is one of those habits. Taking dietary supplements along with a healthy diet will ensure your body is being fed with the proper nutrients, which convert into energy your body needs to keep going.

• Consider: B-Vitamins, Protein Powder , Green Tea Extract, Rhodiol rosea, and Co Q10

5. Bone Health (28%): Did you know that you hit your peak bone density between the ages of 25 and 35? Once you hit your peak bone mass, it’s all about maintaining strong bones. Much of this has to do with the genetic hand you were dealt, but there are things you can do to take special care of your bones. Engaging in various strength training exercises, filling your diet with calcium-rich foods, and incorporating the right supplements into your diet can help ensure you are maintaining strong, healthy bones.

• Consider: Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, boron, and vanadium

Remember, no matter what your reason is for taking dietary supplements, it is always best to speak with your doctor or other healthcare professional about your supplement use—or about making any new changes to your wellness routine. A doctor will be able to help you determine a supplement regimen that best fits your individual lifestyle and helps you achieve your personal health goals.

Reference

1) From the 2008 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements