Supplement nutrition is a concoction of different proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that is taken in addition to regular diet, with the purpose of balancing the nutrition deficit. Besides the necessary carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and fiber, the human body needs a wide array of extra nutrients like minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium), amino acids (valine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine), vitamins(A, C, D, E, K and B complex) etc.

Supplement Nutrition – An Elegant Health Solution

Amino acids:

Amino acids are the building blocks of the body. The body tissues are made of proteins, which are in turn made up of amino acids. Other than protein synthesis, they are also required for controlling the metabolism of the body and synthesis of other non-protein substances. Tryptophan is an example of amino acid supplement, which is used for the making of Serotonin, a neuro transmitter, the deficiency of which causes mental sluggishness.

Vitamins:

Vitamins are substances which do not constitute the tissue mass but catalyze the body processes. Vitamins supplements help maintain the necessary levels which are essential for appetite & digestion, proper sleep, good eye sight, growth of the skeleton, metabolism and host of functions.

Minerals:

Minerals work pretty much in the same way as vitamins i.e. they do not majorly constitute the tissue but act as initiators for enzymes which in turn control the chemical reaction in the body. Iron is essential for hemoglobin which is the oxygen carrier of the body. Calcium is needed for bone strength and blood clotting. Potassium is required for conduction of impulses between the nerve cells. There are a host of other minerals like phosphorous, magnesium, copper, chromium etc. which are absolutely essential for the body. The deficiency of these minerals leads to disorders and general reduction in fitness. The addition of supplement nutrition to compensate for these minerals will work wonders.

Herbs:

Herbal supplements are a natural way of supplying the deficient nutrients. The idea is to directly consume the nutrients present in the plant cells without needing to extract and concentrate it in the form of capsules. Herbs supplements are processed without heating in order to preserve the nutritional contents.

For a normal individual to be in perfect health, these additional nutrients are required only in less quantity when compared to the basic nutrients. For individuals with specialized needs, such as, athletes, pregnant women etc., the need for a specific nutrient might be more. Therefore different kinds of supplements for nutrition, varying in composition and purpose are available.

Nutrition and Supplements for Fitness:

Athletes like weightlifters, boxers, body builders and other athletes use supplements for specific purpose. Supplements are used to increase the muscle content and thereby the strength, increase the energy release capacity and also avail extra energy for short periods of time. Supplements are ingested before, during and after the game based on the type. Supplements like creatine, which is used for muscle building is taken before and after physical activity. Other energy giving supplements like caffeine and epinephrine are taken during sports activity.

Whey proteins are another class of supplements which helps in bodybuilding. Amino acids enhance the performance in many ways; by increasing anabolism, managing energy release during exercise, preventing both mental and physical fatigue.  Herbs such as Smilax, Yohimbine, wild yams and Tribulus are also consumed. These herbs contain natural steroids in them which help in muscle building.

Supplement nutrition for Women:

It is well known fact that women require an extra supply of calcium to stay fit through. This is due to the fact that after menopause the calcium absorption capacity reduces therefore the bones get affected. It is advised that women begin calcium supplements from an early age to prevent osteoporosis. Calcium requirement also increases during pregnancy and breast feeding.  Besides calcium, other nutrients like iron and vitamins are also essential for pregnant women for strength and proper foetel development.

Supplement nutrition for Children:

Children need a balanced diet with special attention to proteins and vitamins as they are in their growth phase of life. Although the nutrients they require are as the same as adults, the quantities in which they are required is different. First up, children require adequate amount of proteins for good growth. This can be provided through high protein drinks, soy protein, whey protein (variant of one used by bodybuilders) etc. Children also need a host of vitamins (A, D, C, B complex) and minerals like calcium, iron etc. This can be given through multivitamin tablets specially made for children.

Nutrition and Supplements for General Wellbeing:

Antioxidants, containing a host of minerals and vitamins, are taken as an anti-aging supplement. Anti-aging herbs, such as, Albizia, Indian Pennywort, Gooseberry, Nettle leaves etc., are also used. Herbs, such as, Ssmall Caltrops, Satavari and Indian Gooseberry (Amla) have professed effect on enhancing virility.

It is quite common to be deficient of certain nutrients due to the lack of balanced diet. With the fast-paced lifestyle that persists, people don’t have the time to concentrate on their diet. The addition of supplement nutrition to the diet will take care of this shortcoming, without having to break ones head on balancing the diet.