Many of us wonder if we really need to consume nutritional supplements when we maintain a balanced diet. Don’t we get all the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities from food? Unfortunately, the answer to this last question is no. Even with a balanced diet, drinking mineral water, and getting sun exposure, we still lack some essential supplements for the proper functioning of our bodies.
Today, we live in a very different world from that of our ancestors. We are now exposed to visual, auditory, and environmental pollution, as well as factors that cause stress, which increases our nutritional requirements for micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants). These micronutrients help balance our body’s functions in the current era and reduce the accumulation of toxins and DNA damage caused by free radicals.
Why are supplements necessary? One of the factors is that the quality of the soil in which crops are grown today is greatly deficient in bacteria and other organisms due to the industrial exploitation we face, making food less nutritionally rich than it was thousands or millions of years ago. Another factor is that the body does not always absorb 100% of the nutrients from food, and this absorption capacity decreases over the years. Additionally, certain medications block or inhibit the absorption of micronutrients.
Dietary supplements can be a useful tool to complement a healthy diet and address certain nutritional deficiencies. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.