How many times have you almost clicked on that pop-up Internet ad to buy a supplement that promises to give you relief from your agonizing asthma symptoms or one that will endow your skin with a healthy glow? There is a lot of interest and debate on the health benefits of dietary supplements. Do we actually know what the term dietary supplement means and are their benefits to health scientifically proven?

What are dietary supplements?
In the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the U.S. Congress defined dietary supplements as products that are taken orally, and contain a dietary ingredient, like vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and metabolites all of which aims to supplement the diet. Dietary supplements, also called nutritional supplements, can also be extracts or concentrates and can come in forms such as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, liquids and even powders. The Act specifically states that dietary supplements must be labeled as such and must not be sold as a replacement for a conventional food or as the sole item for a meal.

Are supplements essential to good health?
While we more often than not question the efficacy of a medication, we seldom probe the benefits of a vitamin or a mineral supplement. What is important to know is that no matter how expensive or popular a vitamin supplement is it cannot replace a diet that is rich in natural nutrients. They are a safeguard against deficiency but everyone need not take them. If youre eating a healthy diet (consuming between 1600 2800 calories), with lots of fruit, vegetables, grains and fiber, plenty of fluids in the form of water and other beverages, eating fortified foods, you may not add supplements. However, if you are at risk for a nutritional deficiency, you may need to take them. People who are more likely to need a supplement are those who consume less than 1200 calories a day, elderly people, strict vegetarians, people who are lactose intolerant, pregnant women, smokers and alcoholics, people who are recuperating from an illness and people who dont consume a variety of foods.