Uses Of Open-Market Supplements – Good Or Bad
INTRODUCTION:
Supplements are the special foods in the form of pills, tablets, liquids which comprise of Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs or Amino acids. Our food is generally lacking in important nutrients like-Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Vitamin- A, C and D due to our choosy nature.
- TYPES OF SUPPLEMENTS IN RESPECT OF DISEASES OR PROBLEMS COMMONLY SEEN:
- Vitamin D is useful against so many diseases like Cancer, Diabetes, Depression and cold.
- Omega 3 fatty acids prevent against strokes and heart diseases
- Antioxidants like ascorbic acids, tocopherols, and beta-carotene prevent heart diseases, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
- SUPPLEMENTS NOT SAFE FOR OVERWEIGHT
Obese are more prone to infection due to deficiency of Vitamins, Minerals & antioxidants which lead to cancer and other communicable illness.
Popular supplements are calorie and protein dense which increases our weight if taken more than recommended allowance and results in other side effects such as stomach cramping headache, fatigue, nausea and low appetite
- SUPPLEMENTS FOR CKD PATIENTS
Dialyzed patients need 14 to 20 mg/day supplements to regenerate protein which produces RBC. Non- dialyzed patients need 5mg/day.To lower Homocysteine levels 50mg/d supplements together with folic acid and Vitamin B12 is prescribed.
CKD patients are unable to get all required quantities of vitamins because
- Dietary restrictions
- Low appetite
- Lack of proper meal time due to investigations and treatments
- medications absorption and excretion of vitamins during dialysis.
- VITAMINS NEEDED IN CKD:
CKD patients require more water soluble vitamins like-Vit-B, B-2, B-6, B-12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and vit C.
- VITAMINS AVOIDED TO CKD PATIENTS:
Vit A should be used carefully as daily use causes toxicity.
Excess Vit C produces oxalates, which deposits in the bones and tissues.
- SUPPLEMENTS FOR DIABETES:
Supplements are not much useful to treat Diabetes. Diabetes can be best controlled by healthy life style and if needed drugs.
Few supplements if used safely it controls blood sugar level.
- Chromium- along with insulin helps to transport glucose
- Alpha lipoic acid- lowers oxidative stress, reduces fasting sugar level, and lowers insulin resistance.
Others are- Coenzyme q10, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, vanadium, glucosamine and some herbs also help to control diabetes.
- PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER COMMONLY USED BELOW CATEGORY
Protein supplements are rich in amino acids. But all supplements are not equally good.
- TYPES OF PROTEIN POWDER:
- Whey Protein- Easily available and cheapest
- Casein protein- Slower digestion because interferes with stomach acids
- Pea protein-Fat and cholesterol, gluten and lactose-free
- Soy protein-plant originated complete protein
- Hemp protein-High in omega3 and omega 6 fatty acids
- Brown Rice Protein –gluten free
- Vegan protein-No stomach problems
- PAEDIATRIC USES AND SAFETY:
Incorrect dosing of supplements shows severe allergic reactions.
Supplements are useful to children- who do not eat a balanced diet, vegetarians and who do not eat dairy products, medically unfit, underweight.
- SAFE USE OF MULTIVITAMIN:
- Multivitamin should be kept safely from children’s hand
- overdoses cause toxicity
- Label and expiry dates should be read carefully before providing it to children
- More than recommended quantity is not allowed
- Without prescribed by physician these should not be taken.
- It should not be taken along with other medications or in place of other drugs without doctors advice or as a meal replacement.
