A number of years ago I thought that all supplements were produced to the same standards, but I have since found that this isn't the case. From my personal research, I've found that there are a lot of factors, which affect the quality and hence, the effectiveness of nutritional supplements. I will outline many of these now and will explain the relevance of each of the factors discussed.
First, you should notice that alternative company's products contain different nutrients and in different levels. As an example, some supplements will provide recommended daily allowances, where some include much more, advanced quantities. Taking in insufficient quantities will give you little benefit, whereas too much might be harmful, so what is the answer?
Also, your lifestyle can play an important role in defining what levels of vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. As an example, if you smoke your needs could be higher. In addition to this, are you aware that if you train regularly, at high intensities, then your requirements are also raised? This is due to the fact that vitamins (or antioxidants) are required to eliminate the harmful by-products created as we process oxygen. Intense pysical activity increases oxygen usage and hence, increases potentially damaging waste prducts known as free radicals.
Another valuable element to note is the quality of the supplement. As nutritionals only need to be manufactured to food grade standards to satisfy the industry legislation, it is often difficult for manufacturers to control exactly what is put in to their nutritionals. Products might become contaminated, or may not have the same ingredients in each individual capsule and we ideally need consistency!
Low Glycemic Foods - Diseases such as Obesity and Diabetes are commonly caused by poor food choices. Typically, high calorific foods contribute to Obesity, but the role of high glycemic foods cannot be overlooked. High glycemic foods (high glycemic Index) are the ones that sugar fastest once inside your body, such as sweets, cakes and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, etc). These kinds of foods cause dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels. As blood sugar levels drop, you will experiences a lack of energy and urges for high glycemic foods (carbohydrate cravings). If you regularly give in to your cravings, this will increase your food consumption. Over a long period of time your body becomes less capable to accomodate dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to the development of type II Diabetes.
For these reasons, I suggest that if you're going to use nutritional supplements, you should find a manufacturer that sticks to pharmaceutical grade production standards for best results. If you're using, or considering using a multivitamin and multimineral product then it may also be helpful to ensure that the formulation contains advanced levels of nutrition.
First, you should notice that alternative company's products contain different nutrients and in different levels. As an example, some supplements will provide recommended daily allowances, where some include much more, advanced quantities. Taking in insufficient quantities will give you little benefit, whereas too much might be harmful, so what is the answer?
Also, your lifestyle can play an important role in defining what levels of vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. As an example, if you smoke your needs could be higher. In addition to this, are you aware that if you train regularly, at high intensities, then your requirements are also raised? This is due to the fact that vitamins (or antioxidants) are required to eliminate the harmful by-products created as we process oxygen. Intense pysical activity increases oxygen usage and hence, increases potentially damaging waste prducts known as free radicals.
Another valuable element to note is the quality of the supplement. As nutritionals only need to be manufactured to food grade standards to satisfy the industry legislation, it is often difficult for manufacturers to control exactly what is put in to their nutritionals. Products might become contaminated, or may not have the same ingredients in each individual capsule and we ideally need consistency!
Low Glycemic Foods - Diseases such as Obesity and Diabetes are commonly caused by poor food choices. Typically, high calorific foods contribute to Obesity, but the role of high glycemic foods cannot be overlooked. High glycemic foods (high glycemic Index) are the ones that sugar fastest once inside your body, such as sweets, cakes and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, etc). These kinds of foods cause dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels. As blood sugar levels drop, you will experiences a lack of energy and urges for high glycemic foods (carbohydrate cravings). If you regularly give in to your cravings, this will increase your food consumption. Over a long period of time your body becomes less capable to accomodate dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to the development of type II Diabetes.
For these reasons, I suggest that if you're going to use nutritional supplements, you should find a manufacturer that sticks to pharmaceutical grade production standards for best results. If you're using, or considering using a multivitamin and multimineral product then it may also be helpful to ensure that the formulation contains advanced levels of nutrition.
About the Author:
Andrew Smith is an Independent Associate for Usana Health Sciences, who manufacture world leading food supplements. To read an extensive Usana products review please visit http://andygsmith.com/health-and-wellness/nutritional-supplements-and-nutrition/usana-products-information-and-review/