Dietary Supplements
As well as the classic vitamin and mineral supplements there are a huge range of food supplements that can be taken for a huge range of reasons. These range from well known supplements such as; fish oils, including cod liver oil, glucosamine sulphate, amino acids and kelp to supplements that have limited data and research or are supposed miracle cures. The wealth of knowledge available throughout the internet should be used carefully as there is a lot of unverified information being shared as fact. Getting Advice from a local and trusted health store or a qualified professional can be a good way to ensure your best interests are taken into account. Bellow are some common supplements with some information about how they may help support optimal health.
Always seek professional advice if you are on any medication, have a long term illness, breastfeeding or pregnant. Always follow the recommended doses for vitamins, minerals and food supplements.
Fish Oils
May be of benefit in: Arthritis, Heart Health, Menstrual Symptoms, Osteoporosis (When taken in combination with calcium supplements), Multiple Sclerosis.
Fish oils can be derived from the livers of cod or the flesh of fatty fish, such as salmon. They are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA (EPA-eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA-docosahexaenoic acid), which may be of benefit in the above conditions and also for foetal brain development.
Glucosamine Sulphate
May be of benefit to: Joints, Tendons, Discs, Damaged Tissue, Vascular Health, Intestinal Permeability.
Glucosamine sulphate may help in the management of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis and the associated pain and inflammation. It may also be of benefit where there has been damage to connective tissue, for example in the case of sports injury. Additionally, when taken orally after surgery or trauma it could aid wound healing and decrease complications associated with scarring
MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane)
May be of benefit to: Joints, Connective Tissue, Detoxification.
MSM may be of use in arthritis and joint injury, aiding repair and protection.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. 22 amino acids are known. Of these 8 are termed ‘essential’ as they cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained from the diet or from supplementation. Many free-form amino acids are available, such as L-tyrosine and L-arginine, as they have been found to offer specific benefits. For example, improving mood, the immune system and memory.