Food supplements are products consisting of concentrated sources of nutrients, intended to complement the intake of these nutrients in the normal diet, according to the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN).
Under normal circumstances, an adequate and balanced diet provides all the nutrients necessary for the normal development and maintenance of a healthy body. But it is not always so, neither for all nutrients nor for all population groups, according to research conducted by AESAN.
The body recalls that food supplements should be taken according to the recommendations of product labelling and should not be exceeded. And they never replace a balanced diet. It therefore urges consumers to make responsible consumption and to seek advice from a specialist.
Tips for the consumption of food supplements
The AESAN (Spanish Association of Food and Agriculture Organizations) offers ten tips for responsible consumption of food supplements:
1. They should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet.
2. Always follow the instructions for use provided on the packaging.
3. The consumer should pay attention to the ingredients it contains in case it is allergic or intolerant to any of them.
4. Do not consume a dietary supplement in doses higher than those indicated on the label, because they may have harmful effects on health, especially if they are taken over time.
5. A natural product is not synonymous with a safe product.
6. Always inform your doctor.
7. Be wary of supplements advertised with incredible properties and effects or as “miracle” solutions to your problems.
8. Do not buy food supplements from unknown sources or establishments.
9. To reduce overweight and excess fat, it is recommended to reduce calorie intake with an adequate diet and, at the same time, increase energy expenditure through an adequate level of physical activity.
10. According to the AESAN (Spanish Association of Sports Medicine and Sports Nutrition), in general, even if you exercise, a varied and balanced diet, including adequate hydration, can meet your nutritional needs.