With our choices of food transitioning to faster options and our lives becoming even faster, there are many nutrients missing from our daily diet. Modern science comes to the rescue with a vast range of dietary health supplements – calcium, iron, vitamin E and D, fish oils, glucosamine, and probiotics. These are available in the form of tablets, capsules, energy bars, powders, and even drinks.

Dietary supplements help in reducing the risk of many diseases. While folic acid supplements help reduce several birth defects, a particular fatty acid in fish-oil supplements reduce the risk of heart diseases. Also, vitamin D and calcium supplements keep your bones strong.

Although dietary health supplements can help keep your body fit, they cannot totally replace the wholesome variety of nutrients provided by a good diet. It is advisable to refer the ‘Dietary Guidelines for America’ to ensure that your body gets enough nutrients.

Few of the top health supplements

Calcium

Being one of the most widely used supplements, calcium is essential for the growth and development of our bones. Although our food ought to contain adequate amounts of calcium, this is not what happens in reality. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are two of the best calcium supplements available in the market.

Fish oil supplements

These are one of the most popular health supplements that are used by Americans. Some fishes contain high quantities of omega-3 fatty acids — which help reduce the risk of heart diseases and also help in the growth of brain activity. Omega-3 is the best fish-oil supplement that comes to the rescue.

Vitamin D, D2, and D3 supplements

Nutrilife is said to be the best vitamin D supplement and is readily available in the market. Vitamin B12 is another important component which needs to be included in our diet. Sublingual, Kirkland, etc. are some of the best vitamin B12 supplements you can opt for.

Magnesium

This has a vast range of health benefits. Mineral salts such as magnesium oxide or chelated magnesium are probably your best magnesium health supplement options. Best prebiotic health supplements also help with stimulating good bacteria around your colon.

Resveratrol supplement

This is another healthy supplement which helps in reducing heart diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and weight loss. Reserveage is one of the best resveratrol supplements available in the market.

Top 10 supplements for memory

Memory loss has become a serious issue these days and there are many health supplements that can help you fight it. Here are the top ten health supplements available for memory loss.

Huperzine A

It is a natural medicine that works like the drug, used for Alzheimer’s disease.

Acetyl-L-carnitine

This is an amino acid that helps patients at the onset of the disease.

Vitamin E

It slows down the progress of memory loss.

Omega 3

Found in fish-oil health supplements, it is known to prevent or slow down memory loss.

Lipoic acid

A product of a sulfur compound, this can be used to enhance entire brain activity as well as memory retention.

Methionine

It boosts one of the necessary amino acids in the body.

Choline Bitartrate

It produces acetylcholine, which has neurological benefits.

DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA)

This is a non-essential amino acid, that helps in brain functioning.

Trimethylglycine

It serves as one of the most effective brain vitamins.

Bacopa Monnieri

Found in a natural plant, this helps in processing visual information.

Risk factors

Dietary supplements can have serious negative effects on your body. It is highly recommended to use these drugs after consulting a physician. Dietary supplements can cause adverse effects when mixed with other drugs or other supplements. These drugs have active ingredients and therefore can lead to major health conditions if not taken in right dosages.

Here are some of the negative effects of dietary supplements.

• Vitamin K supplements may prevent your blood from clotting. Therefore, if you are using these supplements and get a cut, the bleeding might not stop for a while.
• The health supplement, St. John’s Wort, can reduce the effectiveness of many drugs such as antidepressants and birth control pills.
• Vitamin C and E, which serve as antioxidant supplements, can reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
• Too much of vitamin A supplements can lead to liver damage or headaches.
• Many supplements react to body allergies.
• Supplements can also affect anesthesia during surgeries.

Furthermore, it is highly recommended that you consult a specialist before engaging in the use of any dietary supplements.