[LifeStyle] 10 tips for a responsible consumption of food supplements

[#Steeven.™]

These are times for solidarity and responsibility. But there are those who seek to take advantage of the situation and the pampering of people. And it is that, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has had knowledge, through several EU Member States, of the marketing of food supplements that supposedly prevent, treat or cure COVID-19.

These vendors attempt to increase their profits through unauthorized and prohibited nutrition and health claims when promoting and selling food supplements.

“Food supplements are foods whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet. These products cannot attribute properties to prevent, treat or cure a human disease, nor refer to such properties at all. Consequently, there are no food supplements that prevent, treat or cure Coronavirus infection and, therefore, there cannot be any product on the market with such statements, ”remarks AESAN.

On the other hand, the AESAN recommends the po[CENSORED]tion to make a responsible consumption of food supplements, which are not necessary in the framework of a varied and balanced diet. In the end, consumers are responsible for their own health, for heeding the advice of doctors and other health experts, as well as for following the instructions for use and warnings on product labels.

 

1. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet. A varied and balanced diet provides all the nutrients necessary for the normal development and maintenance of a healthy body.

2. Always follow the instructions for use provided on the package.

3. Pay attention to the ingredients it contains in case you are allergic or intolerant to any of them.

4. Do not consume a food supplement in doses higher than those indicated on the label, since consumption at doses higher than those recommended can have harmful effects on health, especially if it is prolonged over time.

5. A natural product is not synonymous with a safe product.

6. Always tell your doctor:

- From the food supplements you are consuming. In particular, if you have an underlying disease. This will help your doctor to consider the combined effects of your medication and the food supplement in the diagnosis and treatment of your disease.

- If you plan to undergo surgery.

- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Most food supplements have not been studied in pregnant or lactating women.

- If you are considering giving a child a food supplement. Most food supplements have not been studied in children.

- From any harmful effect or adverse reaction that you observe. If you feel or suspect that the food supplement causes an adverse reaction, report the symptoms to your doctor.

7. Be wary of supplements that are advertised with incredible properties and effects or as "miracle" solutions to your problems.

8. Don't buy food supplements from unknown sources. Buy your food supplements in authorized food distribution channels or at the pharmacy. Buying from unknown sources on the Internet or regular mail can be risky.

9. Remember that to reduce overweight and excess fat it is recommended to reduce calorie intake with a proper diet of food and, at the same time, increase energy expenditure through an adequate level of physical activity. The consumption of any food supplement should only be complementary or additional. Also, remember that to maintain the achieved result it is necessary to permanently adopt healthy eating habits and follow an active lifestyle.

10. In general, even if you play sports, with a varied and balanced diet, which includes adequate hydration, you can meet the nutritional needs of your body.