Nutrients as the Basis of our Health
To ensure that our metabolism can function smoothly, we need all essential micronutrients in a sufficient amount and in a balanced ratio. They are the basis for health and vitality. Therefore, everyone should ensure a high content of valuable micronutrients for their diet. Particularly rich in vitamins, etc. are fresh, ripe fruit and vegetables as well as whole-grain products. If you further wish to improve your supply of micronutrients, you can reach for products for dietary supplementation, so-called dietary supplements.
Dietary supplements as food
Dietary supplements are categorised with food in Germany and are subject to food laws. In contrast to food, dietary supplements typically contain vitamins and minerals in an enriched, concentrated form. In addition to a diet that is as healthy as possible, dietary supplements should ensure an optimal provision of minerals and vitamins.
Quantity Element or Trace Element – it Depends on the Amount
Depending on what amounts of minerals exist in our body; we differentiate quantity and trace elements. Minerals, which are only present in “traces” of up to 50 mg per kg of body weight, are identified as trace elements. What exceeds that is regarded as a “quantity element”. Frequently, however, we speak only of minerals and trace elements particularly with respect to dietary supplements, although quantity and trace elements are actually what is meant. Based on the broad usage of this form of expression, we will use the terms “mineral” and “trace element” as well on our website.
| Vitamins | Quantity elements | Trace elements |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Calcium | Chrome |
| Vitamin B1 | Chlorine | Iron |
| Vitamin B2 | Potassium | Fluoride |
| Vitamin B3 | Magnesium | Iode |
| Vitamin B6 | Sodium | Copper |
| Vitamin B12 | Phosphorus | Manganese |
| Vitamin C | Molybdenium | |
| Vitamin D3 | Selenium | |
| Vitamin E | Zinc | |
| Vitamin K | ||
Which Vitamins and Minerals belong in Dietary Supplements?
Which vitamins and minerals may be used in the manufacturing of dietary supplements is precisely regulated in the Ordinance governing Dietary Supplements (NemV). For the safety of the consumer, it also regulates in which chemical compound a vitamin or mineral may be used in products for dietary supplementation.
Permitted Vitamins and Minerals in Dietary Supplements
What else is found in dietary supplements?
In addition to vitamins and minerals, dietary supplements can contain additional substances that are essential for our health. This includes, e.g. coenzyme Q 10 as well as unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Probiotic bacteria for intestinal care can also be a component of products for dietary supplementation.
In addition, many dietary supplements contain additives such as colouring and preservatives. However, because these are not very beneficial for our health, you would be best served to avoid them altogether.
You can purchase dietary supplementation products in many different forms for administration – whether as a solution, tablet, capsule, powder, drop, effervescent tablet or granule – most of them contain anything other than only vitamins and other micronutrients. Many products undoubtedly contain pressing additives, lubricants for tablet press machines, stabilisers and other technical additives, without which they could not even be produced. What may be helpful for manufacturing, however, unnecessarily burdens our health. Intestinal disorders and allergies are possible health consequences. Therefore, you should always ensure that the products that you purchase for dietary supplementation are free of these additives, as well as flavouring, preservatives, etc. You are most likely to meet with success with powders and capsules because these – given appropriate awareness and technical know-how – can also be made without additives, which only unnecessarily burden our health.
