Dietary supplements: Pros and cons to consider

Dietary supplements have become quite prominent among people due to their ability to fulfill nutritional requirements. In the hectic schedule, it may become difficult to keep up with the regular meal plans and that is where dietary supplements kick in. Be it working professionals or gym fanatics, the use of health supplements have skyrocketed due to it being an easy-to-achieve and feasible form of nutrition. While using dietary supplements as a replacement for natural food has become common, many are still debating on the validity of such behaviour.

Pros: Some common benefits of dietary supplements are as follows:

1. It may not be a feasible option for everyone to prepare meals every day to fulfil their daily nutritional requirements. To overcome this time restraint, opting for dietary supplements to provide the body with the required nutrients is the viable option.
2. Natural foods are often perishable in nature, that is, they may end up getting ruined over time. Supplements, on the other hand, have a longer shelf life and can be used as a stable source of nutrition.
3. In case of an emergency, it may become difficult to access natural foods. In times of need, dietary supplements can act as excellent means of helping the body stay strong and healthy despite the unavailability of conventional sources of nutrition.

Cons: Here are some disadvantages of dietary supplements that you must look out for:

1. Intake of dietary supplements increases the risk of nutrition overdose in the body. This can result in toxicity which can be fatal if left unmoderated.
2. The human body is not built to absorb and utilise the nutrition from supplements as well as it can from natural food. This can lead to adverse effects on the body due to inadequate fulfilment of nutritional requirements.
3. Various health comorbidities require regular prescription based medication for curbing the symptoms. A lifestyle with dominant dietary supplements used over natural foods can increase the risk of interaction due to a combination of drugs. This can be extremely harmful to health.

Ultimately, while it may seem tempting to break free from the regular routine of preparing nutritious meals and opting for an easier way out with dietary supplements, it might not be the right choice for the body. Remember, easier does not necessarily mean healthier. Experts recommend using dietary supplements along with natural foods to boost the cumulative nutritional value of the diet. However, relying heavily on dietary supplements can end up doing more harm than good.