Supplements are products that contain one or more nutrients needed by the body such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids to fatty acids. Supplements are consumed to meet daily nutritional needs, so that the body can continue to function properly. Supplements are intended as additional nutrients, but unfortunately, many people use supplements as a complete food substitute.
Supplements do contain nutrients that are good for the body, but if you put aside nutrients from food, then you have to think about the effects In the future. A recent study conducted by Tufts University evaluated the use of supplements and all causes of death in more than 27,000 residents of the United States. The researchers found that nutritional intake derived from food was associated with a decrease in mortality, but on the contrary, excessive nutrition from supplements could harm the body.
In the study, there were several main points. Those who had an adequate intake of vitamin A, K, zinc and magnesium from food were known to have a lower risk of death. Also, adequate intake of vitamins A, K, and zinc from food can also reduce the risk of death related to cardiovascular disease. On the contrary, excessive calcium supplement intake (1,000 mg/day) was found to increase the risk of cancer-related deaths.
Therefore, researchers urge that people should not change the source of their nutrients from food to supplements. Nutrients from food are far better than nutrients derived from supplements. Experts believe that there are several nutrients in food that may be hard to find in supplements, such as fibre or other bioactive compounds.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Getty Images
Source(s):
- Fan, C., Mengxi, D., Blumberg, J.B., et all (2019). Association Among Use Dietary Supplements, Nutrient Intakes, and Mortality Among U.S. Adults: A Cohort Study. Annals of Internal Medicine.
- Medical News Today - Is it better to get nutrients from food or supplements? (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324956.php, April 16, 2019.