Contemporary food issues - nutrition

Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements consist of pills, tablets, capsules, powders or liquids that contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals or herbal extracts, designed to be taken in addition to a normal diet.

Types of dietary supplements

The most popular supplements taken are multi-vitamins, with vitamins C and B heading the list of single vitamins and minerals.

Consumption of herbal extracts is increasing, possibly due to increased awareness of alternative therapies, and recent studies showing therapeutic effectiveness of some herbal preparations.

Sports supplements are gaining a high profile as the health benefits of exercise become more widely known, although they are sometimes used simply to confirm a feeling of being an athlete or belonging to a sports group, or even in the hope that they may somehow contribute to fitness and energy.

Role of dietary supplement

Supplements are generally seen as a nutritional insurance, to:

  • safeguard against inadequate diets or a specific illness

  • treat stress or illness

  • enhance athletic performance.

Are these valid reasons for taking supplements?

A large proportion of the population of Australia takes self-prescribed dietary supplements on a more or less regular basis. Care needs to be taken to avoid any potentially harmful side effects.

In most cases, a good diet makes supplementation an expensive and unnecessary habit. However, in times of special nutrient demand, especially if diets are restricted, supplementation may be recommended after an assessment by a doctor or dietician.

Indicate a supplementation which might be recommended in addition to a varied diet, for some groups at risk of a deficiency.

Groups at risk

a. women of child-bearing age or those planning a pregnancy, who have limited intake of fruits, vegetables and wholegrain/fortified cereals

b. pregnant women with low intakes of meat

c. people on a vegan diet which excludes all foods from animal sources

d. people on very restrictive weight-loss diets

e. people recovering from surgery or serious illness

f. people on very restricted diets due to food allergies or intolerances

Check your answer

Exercise 3

Debate the value of supplements in a balanced diet.

Your answer should include an outline of the arguments for and against the use of supplements in a balanced diet, with a conclusion stating your view based on the arguments you presented.