Why dietary supplements?

Our daily diet not only satisfies our hunger but also supplies our bodies with a variety of essential nutrients. Some of these nutrients are so vital that our body cannot produce them on its own, thus depends on external supply.

In theory, a balanced diet should cover all these important nutrients. However, in practice, we often encounter obstacles that make it challenging to ensure optimal nutrition. Time constraints due to a hectic lifestyle, dietary preferences such as a vegan lifestyle, or various life circumstances can pose challenges. Dietary supplements can serve as a helpful addition in this regard but can never replace a diverse and healthy diet.

It's important to understand that dietary supplements are useful when people receive the right dose at the right time so that they can be used in the best possible way. Individual consultation with professionals is crucial.

A healthy diet should take into account all our body's needs and supply it with the necessary nutrients. We are not just thinking of vitamins, co-enzymes (derivatives of vitamins), and minerals, but also amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and many other essential elements. Since no single food provides all necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities, variety is the key.

Nutrition experts consistently emphasize the importance of a balanced diet that not only includes diverse foods but also ensures that each meal consists of a mix of nutrient-rich components. The goal is to reliably provide our bodies with everything they need in every meal. Although a balanced diet offers many health benefits, we face a range of challenges in daily life that make achieving this goal difficult.

Taste is crucial: The taste of food is immediately perceptible, while the health benefits of a balanced diet are often abstract. Therefore, many of us prefer sweet and unhealthy options and avoid nutrient-rich foods.

Lack of time: Freshly prepared meals are often more nutrient-rich than ready-made products but require more time and effort. Not everyone has the time or desire to spend hours in the kitchen every day.

Personal beliefs: Some people avoid certain foods for ethical or health reasons, such as vegans or vegetarians. This can lead to a deficiency of essential nutrients, such as Vitamin B12, which is primarily found in animal products.

In many cases, we eat out or rely on others to cook for us. In families or partnerships, various tastes must be considered, which can result in limited choices.

As you can see, a balanced diet requires not only knowledge of foods and their ingredients but also involves many other aspects that are often only partially controllable.

For this reason, and because sometimes access to a variety of foods is limited, certain nutrient deficiencies are widespread. Many people do not meet the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D, fruits, and vegetables.

What can dietary supplements do?

Dietary supplements can have a supporting role in achieving a balanced diet. They enable targeted compensation or prevention of nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, individual consultation to define which supplements will be most beneficial for you, is crucial. 

It is important to note that while dietary supplements can support many vital body functions, they are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Thus, they should always be viewed as complementary to a healthy diet, never as a replacement.