A health supplement is basically a manufactured synthetic product meant to supplement oneҳ daily diet by taking either a pill powder, pill or even liquid form. A health supplement can give nutrients both naturally extracted from plants or that are synthetic so as to increase the amount of the intake. It can be taken in any form either alone or as a component of a prescribed diet or medicine. Thesehealth supplements contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other substances that are usually found in food or cooked into food at high temperature and then stored for later use. Most health supplements are intended to augment the bodyҳ lack of specific nutrients such as calcium, iron, B vitamins and other essentials for healthy bones, teeth and skin. In fact, calcium and some other essentials for healthy bones are only found in animal source foods. Vitamins and other nutrients for healthy skin and teeth can only be gotten from plant foods and these can only be attained in very minute amounts. Amino acids are used as ingredients in many health supplements for these are substances which are important to our bodies for the creation of proteins. Other substances used for health supplements are also used for curing mental illnesses. The benefits of consuming health supplements are that they do not comprise all nutrients required by the body. For example, a supplement may claim to contain Ӷitamin CԠbut this substance cannot provide as many health benefits as when consumed directly. It is also advisable to consult your doctor before incorporating a new supplement in your diet. This is because not all vitamins and other nutrients are appropriate for consumption with certain other substances known to cause allergic reactions. For example, some organic vegetables contain heavy metals such as mercury which are poisonous if swallowed. Most nutritional supplements are sold over the counter with a pharmacistҳ label indicating the amount of each ingredient in pill or tablet form. However, not all the nutritional supplements sold over the counter are safe for use. One of the most dangerous health supplements are those that contain drugs that can adversely affect the liver, heart and kidneys. Some of the drugs included in these supplements are prohibited by the drug administration in the US such as ephedra and caffeine. The most common dietary supplements sold over the counter include vitamins, minerals, herbals and botanicals. These substances are necessary to give your body all the components it needs to function normally. There are two classifications of dietary supplements; major and minor. Major dietary supplements are sold as pills, powders, beverages, and chewing gums. They contain all the substances required for normal human consumption and minor dietary supplements are herbs, teas and extracts of fruits and vegetables. Women who are planning to become pregnant should take a supplement to ensure they get enough folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C and E. To prevent premature birth and protect the baby from certain health conditions, it is recommended to take a daily vitamin containing folic acid and riboflavin. Vitamin E is also recommended. In case of breast cancer of the spine, it is advised to take an antioxidant called beta carotene. Taking a supplement that contains magnesium will help you to avoid osteoporosis, an age-related weakening of the bones. Deficiency of magnesium can cause frequent cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, mood swings, depression and anxiety. If you do not follow a healthy diet you may have inadequate amounts of other essential nutrients, including iron, calcium and vitamins A, B, C and E. If you are suffering from a lack of concentration, you may be deficient in magnesium and vitamin B12. Getting enough vitamins A, B, C and E may help to maintain your healthy skin, nails and hair. Your diet should contain enough animal foods and a little bit of grain. Fruits and vegetables are the richest sources of dietary fiber and most people are getting enough fiber in their diets. However, they are lacking in other nutrients that are important for good health, including calcium and vitamin B12. Vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B12 and riboflavin are found in dairy products and oily fish. Other foods that are good for getting enough of these nutrients include: leafy green vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts.