Five primary types of nutritional supplements

Updated on December 28, 2020

The supplement industry has recently become very popular. In the US alone, the industry is worth billions of dollars. It is also one of the fastest-growing markets currently in existence. 

Increased use of supplement products has played a significant role in the success of the industry. It has also attracted many investors and entrepreneurs to it. The availability of products like Pure Encapsulations is a testament to this.  

Types of nutritional supplements

The market is packed with a wide range of nutritional supplements. Each of the various types offers numerous benefits and specific nutrients. Below are some of the most common types;

  • Antioxidants

Antioxidants are one of the primary elements found in dietary supplements. These nutrients are beneficial to the body because they trigger increased production of free radicals. The free radicals help prevent cell damage. 

By doing so, antioxidants are believed to prevent certain diseases like cancer. They also help prevent premature symptoms of aging. Supplements with Vitamins E and C fall in the category of antioxidants. 

  • Amino acids

These are a network of nutrients that help the body build protein. The body manufactures some of the amino acids in small amounts called non-essential amino acids. Other types of amino acids that are essential acids, are not produced in abundance by the body. 

Therefore, some people take amino acid nutritional supplements to complement the non-essential amino acids. These two types of nutrients work together to help maintain mental and muscular health.

Additionally, the body requires both types of amino acids to form a complete nutrient. While you can get these nutrients from eating foods like meat, taking supplements may also help.

  • Creatine

Creatine is an excellent type of supplement for people partaking high-intensity exercises. It helps to increase energy levels for muscle contractions. This nutrient is normally found in meat. Therefore, vegetarians and people who don’t eat may not have access to it.

For this reason, creatine is one of the most common types of supplements. Note that if you only partake in aerobics, creatine may not be beneficial to you. 

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

These nutrients are mainly found in fish and other crustaceans. Their role is to reduce aberrations in the functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain. By doing so, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce depression and aggression. 

They also help minimize the risk of Alzheimer’s in middle-aged persons. It also helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, like breast and prostate cancer. People who do not eat fish may suffer from a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids. 

Such a deficiency may trigger mental challenges, soreness in the muscles and joints, among other health issues. This is where this type of nutritional supplements come in. 

  • Multimineral 

As the name suggests, these supplements contain a combination of various minerals. Such minerals include zinc, magnesium, and chromium. Each of the minerals contained in these products features a different health benefit. 

Some multimineral supplements contain both vitamins and minerals. These are a great choice for people with medical conditions limiting their body’s ability to process nutrients. 

In addition to the five types mentioned above, there are a dozen more. When choosing the best Pure Encapsulations, you need to consider your body and its unique needs. 

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