Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Food first, always!

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People all over the world spend huge sums on dietary supplements and vitamins to maintain their health.


But the oft-asked question is whether these supplements are necessary at all or it is simply a waste of money.


For individuals with a strong desire to lose or maintain their weight, diet supplements may seem like a magical solution.


While opinions differ on the pros and cons of supplementation, health experts say lifestyle has a big say.


“The nutrient requirements of one person will differ quite significantly from the next depending on their general lifestyle, their working habits, activity levels and sleep status,” says Dr Nina Bailey, a nutrition expert.


In a recent report, Dr Nina opines, “The simple fact is that no two people are the same, or lead the same life, and so of course there will be individuals who require additional nutrients or micronutrients at certain points or stages in their lives.”


A diet that promotes health and prevents disease is one that contains an abundance of natural, unprocessed, seasonal, organic, fresh whole plant foods; a broad range of wild, grass-fed or pastured organic animal proteins; plus an array of ‘good’ fats.


Experts also say that dietary supplements are necessary when people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. Most people eat processed foods, which lack essential nutrients. Pregnant women, children and the elderly need more vitamins.


“Supplements can be useful for filling in gaps in your diet,” says a report in National Institute of Health. At the same time, health experts also say that some supplements may have side effects, especially if taken before surgery or with other medicines. Supplements can also cause problems if you have certain health conditions.


“It should be food first, always. It provides vitamins in the most biologically available form, in the right quantities and combined with other complementary nutrients,” urges the report.


And the effects of many supplements haven’t been tested in children, pregnant women and other groups.


A couple of years back, Oman’s Ministry of Health through a circular, stopped doctors in private sector hospitals from prescribing vitamins or other supplements to the patients.


“All doctors working in private health establishments should not write vitamins or other supplements in prescription to patients. If needed, a patient can be referred to nutritionists after investigation,” said the statement.


Today’s dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbals and botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and many other products. A recent statement from Sultan Qaboos University quoting a nutritionist urged people to exercise caution while using dietary supplements.


“They are supposed to be taken in addition to healthy foods and not as replacements,” said the note.


As diet supplements are widely available at commercial outlets or online, people with eating disorders have easy access to these products and are likely to misuse them. In some cases, a weight loss drug or diet supplement may be a useful part of an eating disorders rehab programme.


Taking an excessive dose of a diet supplement or combining supplements can be extremely hazardous.


An overdose of stimulant products could raise the blood pressure to dangerously high levels, putting the person at risk of a heart attack or stroke.


“Supplements may not be for everyone, but if we base the argument for not supplementing on the utopian notion that we can obtain all the vitamins and minerals we need from a balanced diet, then it’s highly likely that the majority of us would benefit from a micronutrient top-up,” says Dr Nina.


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