There are adverts for supplements everywhere. Online, on social media, in magazines, on billboards. These may be targeting at your health, wellbeing, performance, and some even claim to reduce you chance of getting ill/catching a virus!
This is probably why the most common questions nutritionists are asked is “What supplement do you recommend?” But more often it’s phrased as “What supplement do I need?” With all the promotions of different types available it is unsurprising that it leads people to believe they need to take supplements.
Whether you actually need to supplement comes back to the regular response of it depends! Sorry if you get sick of seeing this reply but the reason for it is everyone is individual with individual needs. So, there are few, if any, blanket recommendations that anyone should be giving. Those with strong advice often have a financial incentive to sell you something.
Supplements by name are to fill in a gap, or complete something. When thinking about supplementing, consider do you need it? Is your diet lacking in a specific area?
Certain diets cut out foods or food groups, which when removed create the potential for a deficiency. This can include vegan diets, which without animal products can be low in B12, iron and calcium. Low carb diets may have less variety for all the micronutrients you need.
For performance or body composition goals whey or protein powders can be a great option to supplement your diet and increase your protein intake. You can also consider creatine, caffeine or other options to increase your training quality and/or recovery.
Before buying supplements just think whether you really need to, or if your diet already covers what they are providing.
(Reposted from Instagram)