Bades and health: myths and reality
I. What are dietary supplements? Definition, classification and regulatory regulation
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DEMPLE DEMIRE (biologically active additives):
- Bades are concentrates of natural or natural biologically active substances that are intended for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the diet with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes, as well as to maintain normal or restore impaired body functions.
- Key characteristics:
- Are not drugs.
- Complement the diet.
- Contain biologically active substances.
- Designed for oral use.
- The difference from drugs: dietary supplements are not intended for the treatment of diseases, but are used to maintain health and prevention. They do not undergo strict clinical trials, as medicines, and should not contain substances that have a strong pharmacological effect.
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Classification of dietary supplements:
- By composition:
- Nutricevtiki: Additional sources of food substances (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, dietary fiber). Examples: vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, inulin. Nutricotics adjust the deficiency of nutrients, improve metabolic processes and increase the body’s resistance to adverse factors.
- Parafarmetzetics: Substances that have a regulatory effect on the functional activity of organs and systems. Examples: extracts of herbs, adaptogens (ginseng, eleutherococcus), probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes. Parapharmaceuticals support the normal intestinal microflora, increase immunity, improve digestion and adapt the body to stress.
- Ebiotics (probiotics and prebiotics): Probiotics contain living microorganisms useful for intestinal microflora (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria). Prebiotics – substances that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines (inulin, oligofructosis). Ebiotics normalize the intestinal microflora, improve digestion and strengthen immunity.
- By the form of release:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Powders
- Liquids (solutions, syrups, extracts)
- Baors
- By the mechanism of action:
- Antioxidants
- Immunomodulator
- Hepatoprotectors
- Cardioprotectors
- Chondroprotectors
- Adaptogens
- For the purpose:
- To increase immunity
- To improve digestion
- To maintain joint health
- To improve the work of the cardiovascular system
- To normalize blood sugar levels
- To reduce weight
- To improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails
- To improve memory and concentration
- By composition:
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Regulatory regulation of dietary supplements in Russia and the world:
- Russian legislation:
- Federal Law No. 29-FZ “On the quality and safety of food products”.
- Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TR TS 021/2011 “On food safety”.
- Sanitary and epidemiological rules and standards of SanPiN 2.3.2.1290-03 “Hygienic requirements for the organization of production and turnover of biologically active food additives.”
- The procedure for state registration of dietary supplements in Rospotrebnadzor (receipt of a certificate of state registration – SGR). SGR confirms the compliance of dietary supplements with safety and quality requirements.
- Requirements for the marking of dietary supplements: composition, recommendations for use, contraindications, shelf life, storage conditions, information about the manufacturer. The marking should be clear and understandable.
- International standards:
- Codex Alimentarius – a collection of international food standards developed jointly by the FAO and WHO.
- Directive of the European Union 2002/46/EC on food additives.
- Bad regulation in the USA (DSHEA – Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994).
- Features of regulation in different countries: Approaches to the regulation of dietary supplements differ significantly in different countries. In some countries (for example, in the USA), regulation is less strict than in Europe or Russia. This is due to historical, cultural and political factors.
- Russian legislation:
II. Bad myths: debunking common misconceptions
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Myth No. 1: Bad is a medicine.
- Reality: Bades are not medicines. They are designed to enrich the diet and maintain health, but not for the treatment of diseases. Medicines are held strict clinical trials proving their effectiveness and safety, but dietary supplements are not.
- The danger of error: The belief that dietary supplement can replace the medicine can lead to a refusal of the necessary treatment and a deterioration in health. This is especially dangerous for serious diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.
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Myth No. 2: Bades are absolutely safe, as they are “natural”.
- Reality: “Naturalness” does not guarantee security. Many natural substances can be toxic or allergic reactions. In addition, unscrupulous manufacturers can add prohibited substances to dietary supplements (for example, hormones, stimulants) without indicating them in the composition.
- The danger of error: The use of “natural” dietary supplements without consulting a doctor can lead to side effects, allergic reactions and interaction with drugs.
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Myth No. 3: Bades are effective for the treatment of all diseases.
- Reality: Bades are not a panacea. They can have a supportive effect and help in the prevention of some diseases, but do not replace the full treatment prescribed by a doctor. The effectiveness of many dietary supplements has not been proved by scientific research.
- The danger of error: Faith in the miraculous properties of dietary supplements can lead to tightening with a doctor and the progression of the disease.
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Myth No. 4: The more dietary supplements, the better.
- Reality: An overdose of vitamins and minerals (hypervitaminosis) can be dangerous to health. Some vitamins (for example, vitamins A, D, E, K) accumulate in the body and with excess intake can cause toxic effects. Excess minerals (for example, iron, calcium) can also lead to negative consequences.
- The danger of error: The uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements in large doses can disrupt the balance of nutrients in the body and lead to various diseases.
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Myth No. 5: Dietary supplements do not interact with drugs.
- Reality: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, as well as increasing the risk of side effects. For example, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of some antidepressants and oral contraceptives, and vitamin K can affect the action of anticoagulants (drugs that thin blood).
- The danger of error: The joint administration of dietary supplements and drugs without consulting a doctor can lead to serious complications.
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Myth No. 6: All dietary supplement manufacturers are conscientious and guarantee the quality of products.
- Reality: Unfortunately, in the dietary supplement market there are unscrupulous manufacturers who falsify products, overstate the dosages of active substances, use poor -quality raw materials or do not indicate the full composition on the label. This can be dangerous for consumer health.
- The danger of error: The purchase of dietary supplements from unverified manufacturers can lead to the purchase of an ineffective or even dangerous product.
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Myth No. 7: If the dietary supplement is sold in a pharmacy, then it is safe and effective.
- Reality: The sale of dietary supplements in the pharmacy does not guarantee their safety and efficiency. Pharmacies are required to comply with the requirements for storage and implementation of dietary supplements, but are not responsible for their quality and composition.
- The danger of error: Confidence in the pharmacy can create a false sense of safety and lead to the purchase of a poor -quality product.
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Myth No. 8: Bades are necessary for everyone to maintain health.
- Reality: As a rule, dietary supplements are not needed for a healthy person who is balanced. The main nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids) should come with food. Reception of dietary supplements can be appropriate in certain situations, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, elderly, intense physical activity, some diseases.
- The danger of error: The uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements without the need can lead to an overdose of nutrients and the negative consequences of health.
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Myth No. 9: Bades will help to quickly lose weight without diets and physical exercises.
- Reality: There is no dietary supplement that could provide quick and safe weight loss without observing a diet and regular physical exercises. Most dietary supplements for weight loss have a diuretic or laxative effect, which leads only to temporary loss of weight due to the elimination of fluid from the body. Some dietary supplements for weight loss contain hazardous substances, such as sibutramin, which can cause serious side effects.
- The danger of error: Faith in the miraculous properties of dietary supplements for weight loss can lead to disappointment, worsening health and the development of eating disorders.
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Myth No. 10: Scientific research confirming the effectiveness of dietary supplements is always objective.
- Reality: Not all scientific studies on dietary supplements are carried out in compliance with strict methodological requirements and are independent of interested parties. Some studies can be sponsored by dietary supplements, which can affect the results and conclusions.
- The danger of error: Trust in unreliable or biased research can lead to an incorrect decision to make dietary supplements.
III. Reality about dietary supplements: when and to whom they can be useful
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Nutrient deficiency:
- Vitamins and minerals: Bad can be useful with a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, which can occur as a result of an unbalanced nutrition, diseases, taking drugs or special physiological conditions (pregnancy, lactation, elderly).
- Diagnosis of deficiency: It is necessary to determine the deficiency using blood tests and consultation with a doctor. The independent purpose of dietary supplements without diagnosis can be ineffective and even dangerous.
- Examples:
- Vitamin D with a lack of sunlight.
- Iron with iron deficiency anemia.
- Vitamin B12 with a vegetarian or vegan diet.
- Calcium for osteoporosis.
- The importance of choosing high -quality dietary supplements: Choose a dietary supplement from trusted manufacturers, indicating the exact dosage and the form of release, which provides maximum digestibility.
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Special physiological conditions:
- Pregnancy and lactation: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the need for some vitamins and minerals increases significantly. The doctor can recommend taking special vitamin-mineral complexes for pregnant and lactating women.
- Elderly age: With age, the digestibility of nutrients worsens, and the need for some vitamins and minerals increases. Bad can help update the deficit and support the health of the elderly.
- Intensive physical activity: Athletes and people involved in heavy physical labor need an increased amount of nutrients to restore the body and maintain working capacity. Dietary supplements can be useful for replenishing the reserves of glycogen, amino acids and other important substances.
- Vegetarianism and veganism: Vegetarians and vegans may experience a deficiency of some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids. Reception of dietary supplements can help replenish these deficits.
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Support for certain diseases:
- Cardiovascular diseases: Omega-3 fatty acids, Q10 coenzyme, magnesium and other dietary supplements can have a positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular system. However, their reception should be agreed with the doctor and not replace the main treatment.
- Joint diseases: Chondroitin, glucosamine, collagen and other dietary supplements can help improve the condition of the joints with osteoarthritis and other diseases. The effectiveness of these dietary supplements has not been fully proved, and they are not a replacement for drugs.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Probiotics and prebiotics can help restore intestinal microflora for dysbiosis, antibiotic therapy and other diseases. Enzymes can improve digestion with insufficient enzymatic activity.
- Diabetes sugar: Some dietary supplements (for example, chrome, alpha-lipoic acid) can help improve blood sugar control. However, they are not a replacement for insulin and other drugs prescribed for diabetes.
- Oncological diseases: In oncological diseases, the intake of dietary supplements should be strictly agreed with the oncologist. Some dietary supplements can interact with chemotherapeutic drugs and reduce their effectiveness, while others can have an adverse effect on the body.
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Prevention of diseases:
- Strengthening immunity: Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, echinacea and other dietary supplements can help strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of colds.
- Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, coenzyme Q10 and other dietary supplements have antioxidant properties and protect the body cells from damage to free radicals.
- Maintaining the health of the eyes: Luthein, Zeaksantin, Vitamin A and other dietary supplements can help support the health of the eyes and reduce the risk of developing age -related eyes, such as macular degeneration.
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Improving cognitive functions:
- Improving memory and concentration: Omega-3 fatty acids, ginkgo biloba, Bakop Monier and other dietary supplements can help improve memory and concentration. This is especially true for the elderly and people experiencing increased mental stress.
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Magnesium, B vitamins, L-theanine and other dietary supplements can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improvement: Melatonin, valerian, chamomile and other dietary supplements can help improve sleep.
IV. How to choose the right and use dietary supplement:
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Consultation with a doctor or specialist in nutrition:
- The need for consultation: Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor or nutrition specialist. They will help to determine whether you really need a dietary supplement, which dietary supplements are suitable for you, in what dosage and how long should they be taken.
- Individual approach: The choice of dietary supplements should be individual and take into account your health, lifestyle, nutrition and medications.
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Studying the composition and information on the label:
- Composition: Carefully study the composition of dietary supplements. Make sure that there are no components for which you are allergic or intolerance. Pay attention to the dosage of active substances.
- Information on the label: Read the information about the manufacturer, shelf life, storage conditions, recommendations for use and contraindications.
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The choice of reliable manufacturers:
- Reputation manufacturer: Choose a dietary supplement from famous and reliable manufacturers who have a good reputation in the market. Look for reviews about the manufacturer and its products on the Internet.
- Certification: Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates (for example, GMP – Good Manufacturing Practice). Certification confirms that dietary supplements comply with high quality standards.
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Compliance with recommendations for use and dosage:
- Dosage: Strictly follow the recommended dosage indicated on the label or recommended by the doctor. Do not exceed the dosage to avoid overdose and side effects.
- Duration of admission: Follow the recommended duration of dietary supplements. Do not take dietary supplements continuously for a long time without consulting a doctor.
- Reception time: Take the dietary supplement in accordance with the recommendations indicated on the label (for example, during meals, before meals, after eating).
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Observation of the body’s reaction and side effects:
- The reaction of the body: Carefully observe your body’s reaction to dietary supplement. If you have any side effects (for example, allergic reactions, digestive disorders, headache), stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.
- Side effects: Keep in mind that even if all recommendations are complied with side effects. Inform your doctor about all the dietary supplements that you accept.
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A combination with proper nutrition and lifestyle:
- Diet does not replace a healthy lifestyle: Bad is only an addition to proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. They cannot compensate for the harmful effects of an unhealthy diet, a lack of physical activity, smoking and alcohol abuse.
- Balanced nutrition: Try to eat in a balanced use of enough fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat protein and healthy fats.
- Physical activity: Take physical activity regularly to maintain health and well -being.
- Refusal of bad habits: Refuse smoking and alcohol abuse.
V. Future dietary supplement: development prospects and innovation
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Personalized nutrition:
- Individual needs: The development of genomic analysis technologies allows you to determine the individual needs of a person in nutrients and choose dietary supplements taking into account the genetic characteristics.
- Personalized dietary supplements: In the future, it is possible to create personalized dietary supplements, designed specifically for a particular person based on the data of his genome and other factors.
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Nanotechnology in the production of dietary supplements:
- Improved digestibility: Nanotechnologies allow you to create dietary supplements with improved digestibility and bioavailability. Active substances in the nanoform penetrate better into the cells of the body and have a more pronounced effect.
- Target Delivery: Nanotechnologies allow you to create targeted dietary supplements, when active substances are delivered directly to the organ or tissue in need of support.
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Using artificial intelligence:
- Development of new dietary supplements: Artificial intelligence can be used to analyze big data and identify new promising substances that can be used in dietary supplements.
- Prediction of efficiency and safety: Artificial intelligence can be used to predict effectiveness and safety for dietary supplements based on clinical research data and other sources.
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Integration with mobile applications and wearable devices:
- Health monitoring: Mobile applications and wearable devices can be used to monitor the health status of a person and track the effectiveness of dietary supplements.
- Personalized recommendations: Based on data obtained using mobile applications and wearable devices, you can give personalized recommendations for receiving dietary supplements and lifestyle correction.
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Research and clinical trials:
- Evidence base: Further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficiency and safety of Bad. It is important that studies are carried out in compliance with strict methodological requirements and be independent of interested parties.
- The development of the regulatory framework: It is necessary to improve the regulatory framework that regulates the production and turnover of dietary supplements in order to ensure their quality and safety for consumers.
VI. Conclusion
Dietary supplements can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but are not a replacement for full nutrition and treatment prescribed by a doctor. It is important to approach the choice and use of dietary supplements consciously and responsibly, consult a doctor and choose products from reliable manufacturers. The future dietary supplement is associated with the development of personalized nutrition, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, which will create more effective and safe products to maintain health.