Dietary supplements are fundamentally used to supply the body's mineral and vitamin requirements as well as to those who suffer from malnourishment. Saudi Gazette spoke to nutrition expert Dr. Ruqiya Alusmani about the exact nature of these supplements and how we are supposed to use them. “A dietary substance is used to supplement the patient's diet by increasing the total daily intake or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract or combination of any of the above ingredients,” remarked Dr. Alusmani, Consultant Chief of Nutrition and Dietetics at Dr. Abdul Rahman Baksh Hospital in Jeddah. She added that the most familiar types of supplements are multivitamins and calcium tablets, but there are a great many other supplements often prescribed to patients. These include vitamin C, vitamin E, Folic acid, vitamin B complex, Magnesium and Iron Zinc. Some are extracted from plants, including from leaf stems, flowers and roots; medicinal purposes are served from formulating the extracts in teas, infusions and decoctions. Echinacea, Ginko Biloba and Milk Thistle are some botanical examples. These dietary supplements are also useful for those with specific nutrient deficiencies, especially amongst the elderly; those belonging to a lower socio-economic status, energy or fat-restricted diets and physiologic states like pregnancy and lactation. Mohammed Sadique is a 75-year-old man who spoke to Saudi Gazette and remarked that he has been taking supplements since 2008 after he was diagnosed with diabetes, though after consultation with his doctor and not of his own volition. He had stopped walking in 2007 but started being able to do so after only two months of taking the necessary supplements. “Routine use of multivitamin and mineral supplements ensure dietary adequacy,” explained Dr. Alusmani. “In 2002 the American Medical Association recommended that all adults should consume a multivitamin supplement daily to prevent the occurrence of potential illnesses. While the use of supplements is generally considered safe, there are some things to consider if one is planning on taking them. Dr. Alusmani recommended that the patient always consult a doctor or nutritionist before taking any supplements and keep the following advice in mind: Taking any kind of medication – including seemingly harmless dietary supplements – may result in unexpected reactions during the following instances: • During a planned surgery - Adverse effects on the clotting of blood and response to anesthesia during a surgery. • During pregnancy - Adverse effects on the unborn baby. • When taken instead of prescribed medical treatment.
