Nutritional supplements: everything you need to know

What are food supplements?

Definition and purpose

Food supplements are products that are intended to supplement the normal diet. They contain concentrated nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect. The purpose of food supplements is to fill possible nutritional gaps in the diet and support health.

Forms and dosages

Food supplements come in many different forms and dosages:

• Tablets and capsules
• Powder
• Liquids such as drops or drinks
• Bars
• Gummy sweets

Ingredients

The most common ingredients in food supplements are:

• Vitamins such as vitamin C, D, B vitamins
• Minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc
• Trace elements such as selenium, chromium
• Secondary plant compounds such as antioxidants
• Probiotics and prebiotics
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Proteins and amino acids

When are supplements useful?

In case of deficiency symptoms

Nutritional supplements can help to compensate for a diagnosed nutrient deficiency. Common deficiency symptoms are, for example:

• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency in vegans
• Iodine deficiency

For certain groups of people

Supplements can be particularly useful for some people:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Vegans and vegetarians
• Seniors
• Performing athletes
• People with chronic illnesses
• People with increased stress

For prevention and health promotion

For healthy people, supplements can also be useful preventively to promote health, for example.For example:

• To strengthen the immune system
• For healthy bones
• To support the skin, hair and nails
• For the eyes
• For more energy and performance

What to look out for in food supplements

Quality and purity

Look out for high-quality and pure products from reputable manufacturers. Important quality features are:

• Good bioavailability of nutrients
• Free from harmful substances and residues
• Stability-tested
• Effective dosages
• Good tolerability

Interactions and side effects

Nutritional supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects. Therefore:

• Get advice from your doctor or pharmacist
• Read the package leaflet carefully
• Stick to the recommended dosage
• Choose supplements without unnecessary additives

Bioavailability and absorption

The bioavailability and absorption of nutrients is crucial for effectiveness. Please note:

• Choose forms with good bioavailability such as citrates or chelates
• Coated tablets or sustained-release capsules often improve absorption
• .capsules often improve absorption
• Water-soluble vitamins are best taken with meals
• Fat-soluble vitamins are better absorbed with a meal containing fat

The most common dietary supplements

Multivitamins and multimineral supplements

Multivitamins and multimineral supplements cover a broad spectrum of nutrients. They are intended to support the general supply of nutrients. They are available for different age and target groups such as children, women, men or senior citizens.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral that is involved in many functions in the body. Magnesium supplements are often taken for:

• Muscles and nerves
• Heart and blood pressure
• Bones and teeth
• Energy and performance
• Relaxation and healthy sleep

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as the "sun vitamin" as it is produced in the skin by sunlight. As many people don't get enough sun, it often makes sense to take an additional supplement. Vitamin D is important for:

• Strong bones and teeth
• A healthy immune system
• The muscular system
• Various metabolic processes

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce itself. They are mainly found in fatty cold-water fish. Omega-3 supplements are valued for:

• Heart and circulation
• Brain and nerves
• Eyes
• Joints and cartilage
• Anti-inflammatory effect

B vitamins

B vitamins are essential vitamins that the body cannot store for long. Regular intake is therefore important. The B vitamins include vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin. B vitamins have many important functions in the body:

• Energy metabolism
• Nervous system
• Skin, hair and nails
• Blood formation
• Immune system

Tips for taking dietary supplements

Take supplements correctly

Taking them correctly is crucial for optimum effect. Here are a few tips:

• Read the recommended intake on the packaging
• Take supplements at the recommended times of day if possible
• Make sure to take them with or without meals
• When taking different supplements: Pay attention to interactions
• Prefer dosage forms that you can take easily

Store supplements correctly

Proper storage is also important for quality and shelf life:

• Store in a dry and cool place
• Protect from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Note the best-before date
• Use up opened packs quickly

Nutritional supplements are no substitute for a healthy diet

Keep in mind that nutritional supplements are no substitute for a balanced and healthy diet. They can support a good diet, but not replace it. It is always best for your health to eat as varied, wholesome and natural a diet as possible.

Is Saturo a food supplement?

Saturo is not a classic food supplement, but a complete and balanced meal in liquid form. It is designed to provide the body with all the essential nutrients it needs for optimal health and performance. Unlike conventional food supplements, which usually only contain individual nutrients, Saturo provides a combination of high-quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and all the important vitamins and minerals.
In fact, one serving of Saturo contains 26 essential vitamins and minerals in optimally balanced amounts. Saturo can therefore replace many supplements and offers a convenient all-in-one solution for an optimal nutrient supply. Whether as a filling breakfast, a quick lunch at the office or a nutritious snack between meals - Saturo is a time-saving and effective alternative to tablets and other supplements.