Ten years ago most dietary supplements were based on deficiencies that were known to exist in the diets of many people. This meant that vitamin B and C and minerals such iron and calcium, were readily available, but anything else was unheard of.
However, nutritional science has changed all that and now we know that many diets are lacking in several essential nutrients. We have also expanded our knowledge into areas such as phytochemicals found in fruit and vegetables as well as becoming more aware of the important role herbal preparations have to play in our health. In fact, doctors who have been sceptical of the benefits of supplements for a long time are beginning to accept that there is a role for them alongside conventional medicine - and many of them take supplements themselves!
Because of our increasing awareness of complementary medicines, manufacturers have responded and we are faced with an ever-growing range of supplements obtainable everywhere - supermarkets, corner shops, health stores, internet and even market stalls - and at prices that range from as little as £1 up to any price you'd care to think of.
So why pay, say, £8.50 for a bottle of vitamin C from one shop when you can get one for £1 on the market?
The adage "you get what you pay for" applies to this sector of the market more so, probably, than to any other. Companies who have ongoing programs of development, perform clinical trials and have education programs for their staff, distributors and, in many cases, end customers, have to reflect this in the price charged for their product. Additionally, there's the question of quality and strength. For example, to take the vitamin C prices above, you'll probably find the £8.50 bottle will contain 1000mg tablets with additional magnesium, zinc and bioflavinoids and will be timed release (meaning you get a constant supply through-out the day). The cheap £1 bottle will probably contain 100mg tablets with nothing added except bulking agents. Just doing the maths will show you where the real economy is.
As with everything, education is the key - you not only need to know what you want, but why you want it, how much you need to take and in what form it will give the best result for you.
The real lesson to be learnt from this is to always read and understand the label - and I'll show you how in my next article.
Steve has been advising customers on vitamins, minerals and other supplements for 7 years. His wholefood shop in Wincanton has become known as "the" place to go for plain, uncomplicated and impartial advice. This philosophy has been carried through to his first book "The Plain English Guide To Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements", where this information has been collected together in one place in easy to understand, everyday language. http://www.supplementadvice.co.uk
Now, after feedback from customers on his first book, he's just released "The Plain English Guide To Irritable Bowel Syndrome" to bring the same, easy to read and understand format to those that suffer from this debilitating condition. http://www.understandibs.com
By Steve Stapleton
However, nutritional science has changed all that and now we know that many diets are lacking in several essential nutrients. We have also expanded our knowledge into areas such as phytochemicals found in fruit and vegetables as well as becoming more aware of the important role herbal preparations have to play in our health. In fact, doctors who have been sceptical of the benefits of supplements for a long time are beginning to accept that there is a role for them alongside conventional medicine - and many of them take supplements themselves!
Because of our increasing awareness of complementary medicines, manufacturers have responded and we are faced with an ever-growing range of supplements obtainable everywhere - supermarkets, corner shops, health stores, internet and even market stalls - and at prices that range from as little as £1 up to any price you'd care to think of.
So why pay, say, £8.50 for a bottle of vitamin C from one shop when you can get one for £1 on the market?
The adage "you get what you pay for" applies to this sector of the market more so, probably, than to any other. Companies who have ongoing programs of development, perform clinical trials and have education programs for their staff, distributors and, in many cases, end customers, have to reflect this in the price charged for their product. Additionally, there's the question of quality and strength. For example, to take the vitamin C prices above, you'll probably find the £8.50 bottle will contain 1000mg tablets with additional magnesium, zinc and bioflavinoids and will be timed release (meaning you get a constant supply through-out the day). The cheap £1 bottle will probably contain 100mg tablets with nothing added except bulking agents. Just doing the maths will show you where the real economy is.
As with everything, education is the key - you not only need to know what you want, but why you want it, how much you need to take and in what form it will give the best result for you.
The real lesson to be learnt from this is to always read and understand the label - and I'll show you how in my next article.
Steve has been advising customers on vitamins, minerals and other supplements for 7 years. His wholefood shop in Wincanton has become known as "the" place to go for plain, uncomplicated and impartial advice. This philosophy has been carried through to his first book "The Plain English Guide To Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements", where this information has been collected together in one place in easy to understand, everyday language. http://www.supplementadvice.co.uk
Now, after feedback from customers on his first book, he's just released "The Plain English Guide To Irritable Bowel Syndrome" to bring the same, easy to read and understand format to those that suffer from this debilitating condition. http://www.understandibs.com
By Steve Stapleton
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