Food Supplements

The human body needs a large variety of vitamins and minerals in order to function at its peak. These are found mostly in food sources. Nutritionists advocate a balanced and varied diet so that we can get all the necessary nutrients to function optimally.
In the olden days, malnutrition as a result of vitamin or mineral deficiencies resulted in severe diseases and premature death. Although malnutrition is not so severe today, most people still find it difficult to get a balanced diet due to their hectic lifestyles. Many simply eat out or rely on instant foods.
Apart from that, pollution, excessive farming and food additives strip the land from providing maximum nutrients in our food sources. The poultry, fruits and vegetables of today are mostly farmed, unlike the days of yore when they were bursting with the goodness of nature in the great wilderness.
Lifestyle changes also increases the need for vitamins and minerals. More people nowadays indulge in coffee, cigarettes or alcohol, which flush out large amounts of vitamins and minerals. Prescription drugs and daily use of hormones in contraceptives or menopausal treatments also cause certain nutrient deficits.
As such, nutritional supplements are no longer considered a luxury but are now an educated choice for people who care for their health and that of their loved ones!
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Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamin A

For cell regeneration, healthy skin, hair, and tissues, and night vision
 

Vitamin D

Helps absorption and use of calcium and phosphate for healthy bones and teeth

Vitamin E

Protects red blood cells and helps prevent destruction of vitamin A and C
 

Vitamin K

For normal blood clotting and synthesis of proteins in blood, bone, and kidneys.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Antioxidant needed for the formation of collagen and for healthy teeth, gums and blood vessels; improves iron absorption and resistance to infection.

Thiamin (B1)

For energy metabolism and functioning of the nervous system

Riboflavin (B2)

For energy metabolism, building tissue, and good vision.

Niacin

For energy metabolism, proper digestion and healthy nervous system

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

For cell growth

Folate (Folic Acid)

For normal digestion and development of red blood cells

Vitamin B12

For building proteins in the body, red blood cells, and normal function of nervous tissue

Calcium

For healthy bones and teeth, normal blood clotting, and nervous system function

Iron

For formation of red blood cells

Phosphorus

For healthy bones and teeth, energy metabolism, and acid base balance in the body

Magnesium

For healthy bones and teeth, proper nervous system function and energy metabolism

Zinc

For cell reproduction, tissue growth and repair

Pantothenic Acid

For energy metabolism

Copper

For synthesis of hemoglobin, proper iron metabolism, and maintenance of blood vessels

Manganese

For enzyme structures

Potassium

For maintenance of fluid balance, nerve impulse function, muscle function, cardiac (heart muscle) function
How did nutritional supplementation begin?  
For the longest time, nutritionists have advocated a healthy, varied diet as the key to good health and vitality. Nutritional supplementation only became recognised in the 18th century with the first controlled trial involving sailors who were suffering from scurvy.
One group of sailors was given large doses of lemon daily, while the other were not. At the end of the trial period, the group that was on lemon showed a significant reduction in scurvy incidence, while the group that was not on lemon had no changes.
This historical trial became a major milestone, marking the beginning of acceptance for nutritional supplementation among medical practitioners, beginning with Vitamin C. Other historical epidemics resulting from nutritional deficiency were:
Pellagra
In the early years of the 20th century, a pellagra epidemic occurred, resulting in over 7,000 deaths and over 250,000 people hospitalised in the southern cities of America. Researchers later found the problem to be linked to Vitamin B and protein deficiency as the peasants who were affected ate unprocessed corn and little else because it was cheap and easy to grow.
Although corn by itself is a rich source of vitamin B and several minerals, the body needs the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals in order to function well. A solely corn diet resulted in symptoms such as aggression, skin problems, sensitivity to sunlight, weakness, confusion and insomnia, in what was later popularly called the four Ds- dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia and finally death.
Rickets
During the Industry Revolution in England, it was normal to see children in the cities with physical deformities such as curved spines, bent legs and swollen joints. Researchers believed that it was caused by a lack of sunshine, as the skies were covered with coal dust and smog, allowing little sun to penetrate through.
It was later discovered that sunlight helped the human body to produce Vitamin D, which was essential for the absorption and usage of calcium in calcium-rich foods. Without Vitamin D, bones are unable to be calcified, leading to poorly formed bones especially at the knees and spine.
Scientists found that cod liver oil was helpful in preventing and treating rickets because of its high Vitamin D content.
References:
  1. AmericanAcademyof Family Physicians
  3. US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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