Supplements

The Role of Other Nutrients in the Body

Vitamins and minerals are considered essential nutrients because they cannot be produced by the body and are vital to your survival. Other types of nutrients found in foods also perform important functions, but there are no daily recommended nutritional guidelines that stipulate precisely how much you should include in your diet. If you suffer from certain medical concerns or have dietary restrictions, you still could benefit from a supplement product that contains these nutrients. Supplements may also contain natural chemicals that your body produces on its own. These products are made to increase your supply of the chemicals that may help with symptoms of a health concern such as lack of energy. However, more research is necessary to establish these benefits.

Key Nutrients to Complete Your Diet

If you're concerned about your diet and possible deficiencies, there are many products available to help supplement the nutrients you receive from meals and snacks. Amino acid supplements supply the body with one or more of the key building blocks for proteins and are often used by athletes and others who have an increased need for protein in their diets. Iron supplements provide additional levels of the mineral needed to produce an important component of the blood that helps carry oxygen through the body. Antioxidant supplements like alpha lipoic acid, co-enzyme Q10, astaxanthin and resveratrol may help to protect the body from the effects of free radicals, which have been linked to heart disease, cancer, macular degeneration and aging of the skin and the organs.

Finding Supplements to Meet Your Needs

Walgreens has an array of supplements that you can use to improve your diet and address symptoms of illness and disease. The menu on the left can guide you to all of the supplements of one particular type to make shopping easy. The collection includes supplements that are traditionally used for joint health like glucosamine as well as supplements that some researchers believe help balance brain chemicals like SAM-e and 5HTP. You'll also find products for use in cleanses and other solutions to complete your healthy lifestyle in the supplements collection.

Strategies for Supplementing Safely

While research has established many potential benefits from the use of supplements, not everyone can safely use certain dietary supplements. To help avoid any unpleasant side effects, serious health complications or interactions with medicines and other supplements, involve your doctor in your supplementation plan. Discuss your health concerns with your physician and explain what you hope to gain from using a supplement product. Your doctor can provide guidance, let you know if a particular product is safe for you and help you determine what the ideal dosage is for your unique needs.

This summary is intended for general informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of purity, strength, or safety of the products. As a result, effects may vary. You should read product labels. In addition, if you are taking medications, herbs, or other supplements you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking a supplement as supplements may interact with other medications, herbs, and nutritional products. If you have a medical condition, including if you are pregnant or nursing, you should speak to your physician before taking a supplement. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience side effects.