Smoked Foods and Health: Benefits and Risks
Smoking has been a method of preserving food since time immemorial. It's a technique that not only extends the shelf life of food but also...
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Food supplements are products designed to enhance the well-being of the body and to complement the regular dietary regimen. They are composed of components such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fiber, and more, which are concentrated sources of substances that can have a nutritional or physiological effect.
Food supplements are intended to produce a nutritional or physiological effect in those who consume them. They are taken as part of the regular diet and serve as a concentrated source of nutritional substances. They are not intended to replace a varied and balanced diet but rather to supplement it, particularly in situations where there may be increased nutritional needs.
The formulation of food supplements is designed to satisfy specific health-related needs. This means their intended use is closely tied to the properties of their components, which are often derived from plants or other natural sources.
Food supplements are generally regulated as foods, not medicines, in most countries. However, specific rules, definitions, and labeling requirements can vary from one region to another. Despite these differences, in most jurisdictions, food supplements are defined as products intended to complement the normal diet.
Food supplements typically contain concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances that have a nutritional or physiological effect. These can include:
They are usually presented in pre-dosed forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, ampoules, liquid drops, or other measured units.
Although exact requirements differ across countries, food supplements typically must include:
These rules aim to ensure that consumers receive transparent and accurate information and can use the product safely as part of their dietary routine.
Reading the label of a food supplement is crucial as it provides information that can protect the consumer from potential health risks. Food supplements can contribute to the well-being of the body by optimizing nutritional status and providing nutrients or other substances. However, they must comply with certain conformity criteria and are regulated like foods.
Food supplements are often recommended by doctors to correct nutritional deficiencies, maintain an adequate intake of certain nutrients, or assist specific physiological functions. However, they are not curative and are not intended to treat or prevent diseases in humans or to modify their physiological functions.
The label of the food supplement must contain general warnings and specific warnings. General warnings include respecting the doses and methods of use, keeping the product out of reach of children, and not using the supplement as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. Specific warnings highlight precautions for use during certain drug therapies, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for children and the elderly.
