Many years ago I believed that all supplements were manufactured to the same standards, but I've since learned that this isn't the case. From personal research, I have found that there are many factors, which affect the quality and hence, the effectiveness of supplements. I'll outline many of these now and will explain the relevance of each of the factors discussed.
The first factor is whether a supplement dissolves and disintegrates completely and how readily available it is for use within the body. The nutrients in the product must be in an appropriate form and in correct ratios for maximum absorption into the body's cells. This is called the bioavailability of the product. As the bioavailability of a product is primarily determined by the ratios of elements, it is essential that the manufacturer carefully monitors and controls the required balance of elements during research and development.
Also, your lifestyle can play a significant role in defining what levels of vitamins and minerals you require on a day to day basis. As an example, if you are a smoker your needs could be greater. As well as this, did you know that if you train regularly, at higher heart rates, then your body's needs are also raised? This is because vitamins (AKA antioxidants) are needed to eliminate the damaging by-products created as we process oxygen. High intensity exercise increases oxygen consumption and hence, increases potentially damaging by-products known as free radicals.
This will probably have an impact on the bioavailability of the nutrients in that product. Another major concern with food grade products is that there's a higher risk of product contamination.
Low Glycemic Foods - Conditions such as Obesity and Diabetes are largely a result of bad food selection. Typically, high calorific foods contribute to Obesity, but the role of high glycemic foods cannot be disregarded. High glycemic foods (high GI) are foods 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 rises in blood sugar levels. As blood sugar levels drop, you will experiences a drop in energy and desires for high glycemic foods (carbohydrate cravings). If you regularly give in to your cravings, this will increase your calorific consumption. Over a long period of time your body becomes unable to accomodate dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to the development of type 2 Diabetes.
For these reasons, I suggest that if you are going to use food supplements, you must find a manufacturer that adheres to pharmaceutical drug grade manufacturing standards for the best results. If you are using, or thinking about using a multivitamin pill and multimineral product then it may also be helpful to ensure that the formulation contains advanced levels of nutrition.
The first factor is whether a supplement dissolves and disintegrates completely and how readily available it is for use within the body. The nutrients in the product must be in an appropriate form and in correct ratios for maximum absorption into the body's cells. This is called the bioavailability of the product. As the bioavailability of a product is primarily determined by the ratios of elements, it is essential that the manufacturer carefully monitors and controls the required balance of elements during research and development.
Also, your lifestyle can play a significant role in defining what levels of vitamins and minerals you require on a day to day basis. As an example, if you are a smoker your needs could be greater. As well as this, did you know that if you train regularly, at higher heart rates, then your body's needs are also raised? This is because vitamins (AKA antioxidants) are needed to eliminate the damaging by-products created as we process oxygen. High intensity exercise increases oxygen consumption and hence, increases potentially damaging by-products known as free radicals.
This will probably have an impact on the bioavailability of the nutrients in that product. Another major concern with food grade products is that there's a higher risk of product contamination.
Low Glycemic Foods - Conditions such as Obesity and Diabetes are largely a result of bad food selection. Typically, high calorific foods contribute to Obesity, but the role of high glycemic foods cannot be disregarded. High glycemic foods (high GI) are foods 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 rises in blood sugar levels. As blood sugar levels drop, you will experiences a drop in energy and desires for high glycemic foods (carbohydrate cravings). If you regularly give in to your cravings, this will increase your calorific consumption. Over a long period of time your body becomes unable to accomodate dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to the development of type 2 Diabetes.
For these reasons, I suggest that if you are going to use food supplements, you must find a manufacturer that adheres to pharmaceutical drug grade manufacturing standards for the best results. If you are using, or thinking about using a multivitamin pill 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 nutritional supplements. To read a comprehensive Usana products overview please go to http://andygsmith.com/health-and-wellness/nutritional-supplements-and-nutrition/usana-products-information-and-review/
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