The effect of dietary supplement on the body: scientific research
I. Determination and classification of dietary supplements (biologically active additives)
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Daistry definition: Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes. Bades are not drugs and are designed to maintain health and prevention of diseases.
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Legal regulation of dietary supplements: The regulation of dietary supplements is significantly different in different countries. In Russia, the turnover of Badov is regulated by Federal Law No. 29-FZ “On the quality and safety of food products” and the technical regulations of the Customs Union TR TS 021/2011 “On food safety”. In the USA, dietary supplements are regulated by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) 1994. These laws establish the requirements for production, composition, labeling and advertising of dietary supplements. It is important to note that dietary supplements do not go through the same clinical trials as drugs, which necessitates a critical approach to information about them.
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Classification of dietary supplements in composition:
- Vitamin complexes: Contain one or more vitamins. Examples: vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamins of group B. Studies show that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the immunity and health of bones, and vitamin C has antioxidant properties.
- Mineral complexes: Contain one or more minerals. Examples: calcium, magnesium, zinc. Calcium is necessary for the health of bones and teeth, magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, and zinc is important for immune function and wound healing.
- Plant dietary supplements (herbal preparations): Contain extracts, infusions or powders from plants. Examples: Echinacea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng. Echinacea is traditionally used to strengthen immunity, ginkgo biloba – to improve cognitive functions, and ginseng – to increase energy and endurance.
- Bad of animal origin: Contain components of animal origin. Examples: Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), chondroitin, glucosamine. Fish oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, chondroitin and glucosamine are often used to maintain joint health.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: Contain live microorganisms (probiotics) or substances that contribute to the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines (prebiotics). Probiotics can improve digestion, strengthen immunity and even influence mental health.
- Amino acids: Contain separate amino acids or their complexes. Examples: creatine, BCAA (amino acids with an extensive chain). Creatine is often used to increase sports indicators, and BCAA – to restore muscles after training.
- Enzymes (enzymes): Contain enzymes that contribute to digestion. Examples: amylase, lipase, protease. Enzymes can help with digestive problems, such as bloating and indigestion.
- Other dietary supplements: This category includes dietary supplements containing unique components such as Q10 coenzyme, alpha-lipoic acid, and others. Coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in the production of energy in cells, and alpha-lipoic acid has antioxidant properties and can improve insulin sensitivity.
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Bades release forms: Bades are produced in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, chewing loafers, etc. The form of release can affect the speed and degree of assimilation of active substances.
II. Mechanisms for the action of dietary supplements on the body
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Filling a deficiency of nutrients: Many dietary supplements are designed to replenish the deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. For example, the intake of vitamin D can be recommended to people living in regions with insufficient sunlight, and iron intake with iron deficiency anemia.
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Antioxidant Protection: Some dietary supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and coenzyme Q10, have antioxidant properties. They help protect cells from damage to free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
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Immunomodulatory action: Some dietary supplements, such as echinacea, zinc and vitamin D, can have an immunomodulating effect, helping to strengthen the immune system and increase the body’s resistance to infections.
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Anti -inflammatory action: Some dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce inflammation in the body, which plays a role in the development of many chronic diseases, such as arthritis and heart disease.
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Digestion regulation: Probiotics and prebiotics can improve digestion, restore the balance of intestinal microflora and reduce symptoms, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
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Support for the cardiovascular system: Some dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, Q10 coenzyme and garlic, can support the health of the cardiovascular system, reducing cholesterol, blood pressure and risk of blood clots.
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Improving cognitive functions: Some dietary supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and omega-3 fatty acids, can improve cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and concentration.
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Influence on hormonal balance: Some dietary supplements, such as soy and red clover, contain phytoestrogens that can affect hormonal balance, especially in women during menopause.
III. Scientific research on the effectiveness of dietary supplements
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Vitamin D:
- The role in the health of the bones: Numerous studies confirm that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. It contributes to the absorption of calcium and phosphorus necessary for the formation and maintenance of bone tissue. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies showed that the intake of vitamin D reduces the risk of fractures in the elderly.
- Influence on immunity: Vitamin D also plays a role in immune function. Studies show that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of infectious diseases such as flu and SARS. Vitamin D additives can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.
- Influence on the cardiovascular system: Some studies show the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, additional studies are needed to confirm that vitamin D additives can reduce the risk of these diseases.
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Omega-3 fatty acids:
- Influence on the cardiovascular system: Numerous studies confirm the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the cardiovascular system. They can reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood, blood pressure and risk of blood clots. The meta-analysis of clinical studies showed that taking omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Anti -inflammatory action: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce inflammation in the body, which plays a role in the development of many chronic diseases, such as arthritis and heart disease.
- Influence on mental health: Some studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can improve mood and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these effects.
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Probiotics:
- Improving digestion: Probiotics can improve digestion, restore the balance of intestinal microflora and reduce symptoms, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea. The meta-analysis of clinical studies showed that probiotics are effective in the treatment of diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
- Strengthening immunity: Probiotics can strengthen the immune system, increasing the activity of immune cells and improving the barrier function of the intestine.
- Influence on allergic reactions: Some studies show that probiotics can reduce the risk of allergic reactions in children.
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Curcumin:
- Anti -inflammatory action: Kurkumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has pronounced anti -inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the body and relieve arthritis symptoms.
- Antioxidant Protection: Kurkumin also has antioxidant properties, helping to protect the cells from damage to free radicals.
- Influence on cognitive functions: Some studies show that curcumin can improve cognitive functions and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these effects.
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Glucosamine and chondroitin:
- Support for joints of the joints: Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used to maintain joint health and relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. They can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility. However, the results of studies of the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin are contradictory. Some studies show that they are effective, while others do not.
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Plant dietary supplements (echinacea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng):
- SOUTINATEA: It is traditionally used to strengthen immunity and prevention of colds. Some studies show that echinacea can reduce the duration and severity of the cold.
- Ginkgo biloba: It is used to improve cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration. Some studies show that ginkgo biloba can improve cognitive functions in the elderly.
- Ginseng: Used to increase energy and endurance. Some studies show that ginseng can improve physical and mental performance.
IV. Risks and side effects of dietary supplements
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Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. For example, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of some antidepressants and contraceptives, and vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants.
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Overdose: Reception of large doses of some dietary supplements can lead to undesirable side effects. For example, an overdose of vitamin A can cause nausea, vomiting and headache, and an overdose of iron – constipation and abdominal pain.
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Allergic reactions: Some people can be allergic to certain components of dietary supplements. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, edema and shortness of breathing.
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Poor products: In the dietary supplement market, poor -quality products containing improper dosage of active substances, impurities or even harmful substances can be found.
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Lack of clinical trials: Unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not go through strict clinical trials before entering sale. This means that their effectiveness and safety may not be sufficiently studied.
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Self -medication: The use of dietary supplements for self -medication of serious diseases can lead to a delay in seeking a doctor and a deterioration in health status.
V. Recommendations for the use of dietary supplements
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Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you have any chronic diseases, you take drugs or pregnant/breastfeed.
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The choice of quality products: Bad only from reliable manufacturers and suppliers with a good reputation. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates and compliance with standards.
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Dosage compliance: Strictly observe the recommended dosage indicated on the Bad packaging. Do not exceed the dosage to avoid side effects.
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A careful study of the composition: Carefully study the composition of Bad to make sure that you do not have an allergy to any components.
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Evaluation of effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of the dietary supplement after a certain period of admission. If you have not noticed any improvements or feel any side effects, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
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Do not replace dietary supplements with full food: Bades should not replace full and balanced diet. They are only an addition to the diet.
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Conscious consumption: Come to the choice of dietary supplements consciously, based on the scientific data and recommendations of specialists, and not on advertising and marketing tricks.
VI. Prospects for dietary supplements
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The need to conduct high -quality clinical research: It is necessary to conduct better and large -scale clinical research to assess the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements. These studies should be randomized, placebo-controlled and comply with high scientific standards.
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Studying the mechanisms of the action of dietary supplements: A deeper study of the mechanisms of the action of dietary supplements on the body is necessary. This will allow you to better understand how they affect health and what diseases can be prevented or facilitated with their help.
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Development of personalized approaches: In the future, it is possible to develop personalized approaches to the use of dietary supplements, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, a genetic profile and lifestyle of a person.
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Strengthening quality control of dietary supplements: It is necessary to strengthen the quality control of dietary supplements from state bodies. This will protect consumers from poor -quality and potentially dangerous products.
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Integration of dietary supplements into the healthcare system: It is possible to integrate dietary supplements into the healthcare system as additional means of prevention and treatment of diseases, provided that there are sufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness and safety.
VII. Conclusion
Bades can have a different effect on the body, depending on their composition, dosage and individual characteristics of a person. Some dietary supplements can be useful for replenishing the deficiency of nutrients, maintaining health and preventing diseases. However, it is necessary to approach their use consciously, consult a doctor, choose quality products and strictly observe the recommended dosage. It should not be forgotten that dietary supplements are not drugs and should not replace full nutrition and treatment prescribed by a doctor. Further scientific research is necessary for a deeper study of the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements and the development of personalized approaches to their use.