The Best Diet Supplements

According to the Food and Drug Administration, a dietary supplement is "any item induced orally that releases an ingredient meant to enhance or supplement the diet in some way." The dietary ingredient in the supplement can range from vitamins and minerals to diet pills. With the abundant selection of dietary supplements available today, knowing which dietary supplements are the most beneficial is key.

Types of Diet Supplements

• Vitamin and mineral supplements are used to help deficiencies, but are not recommended to replace the nutrients found in food. The outcome of taking a specific supplement depends on the kind of vitamin or mineral in the supplement. For example, vitamin A helps vision and bone growth, whereas vitamin E helps the immune system.

  Herbal supplements are used because of their medicinal benefits. Herbs are also known as botanicals, and have been used for thousands of years. The main uses for herbs are to help with aches, pains and even illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, approximately eighty percent of the world uses botanicals, the majority being derived from plants.

  Diet pills are another form of diet supplements. Their purpose is to help people lose weight. Diet pills are not designed to make people lose weight instantaneously. They are formulated to work collaboratively with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Choosing a Supplement

• When determining which supplement to take, if any, it is important to notify your health care provider first. Many dietary supplements can react negatively with certain conditions and prescription drugs. Choosing a supplement should only be considered if it is necessary and favorable to one's health. The way of ingestion is also a determining factor. Dietary supplements can come in the form of pills, capsules, tablet, liquid or powder. The best dietary supplement is the one that is conducive to all health needs and is beneficial to the taker's health.

  According to WebMD, the best diet supplements are those that target certain groups of people. These groups include pregnant and nursing women, vegetarians, those with food allergies and the elderly. This group of people is the most prone to inadequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in their diet.

  Overall, choosing a supplement is based on need and personal preference. It is recommended to pick a supplement that is well known, and has been on the market for a good amount of time. If the label makes promises that are too good to be true, they most likely are.