Minerals supplements are one of the fastest growing segments in health and nutrition. It has been found that most people do not meet the recommended daily allowance of minerals andvitamins. This, coupled with the fact that mostsupplements lack the proper balance of key elements such as potassium andmagnesium, which are required for optimum health, have led to a tremendous increase in the sales of these health products over the last five years. The popularity of such supplements can be explained in several ways. First and foremost, the wide variety of products available on the market has led to confusing labeling claims and sub-standard mineral contents. In addition, many companies have been successful at convincing consumers that their supplements deliver higher mineral contents than they actually do through clever advertising and slick marketing. On top of this, manufacturers often use terms that are deceptive in order to make their products seem more beneficial to consumers than they really are. One of the most important factors that lead to confusion is the use of terminology. When it comes to minerals, there are several broad classifications including macro minerals, trace minerals, macro-minerals and trace minerals. Each of these classifications are designed for a specific function, so it is easy to see why a nutritionist would use one or the other when talking about the supplementation of minerals. However, one must keep in mind that no two people within a particular age group will have the same needs, which means that a product targeting the young athlete will not be the same supplement that will prove beneficial to the elderly. Likewise, a product targeted at pregnant women will not have a high concentration of calcium while one geared towards older adults will. Because of these generalizations, it is important to carefully review the content of any Minerals Supplements that you are considering for consumption. Of course, you need to ensure that the product contains all the essential minerals that you require for optimal health but you should also pay attention to the list of ingredients. Ideally, the first thing that you should look for is a list of ingredients that includes both a chemical identification and a list of all major minerals contained in the supplement. In addition to minerals, the content of vitamins, enzymes and cofactors should also be determined. It is preferable to choose a product that has a good balance of all the essential ingredients, as well as a good mix of vitamins, minerals and cofactors. The best way to determine the value of a dietary supplement is to calculate the mineral intake for a given number of servings per day. To do this, you simply divide the recommended daily intake by the number of grams of each of the main ingredients contained in the supplement. The resulting figure is a recommended daily allowance, which can help you keep track of your mineral intake. Another way to determine the value of your dietary supplements is to consult the US Department of Agricultureҳ My Nutrient Profile system, which classifies foods according to their nutrient content. If you are taking prescription medications for any medical condition or medication, such as antibiotics, steroids, anti-anxiety medications, heart drugs, estrogen/progestin replacement therapy or any other prescription, then you should also consider how much of the minerals you need to take. Some of the more common prescriptions, such as calcium and magnesium, are present in many prescription medications that are used to treat medical conditions, so it may not be necessary to take additional amounts of these substances. However, when it comes to calcium and magnesium, the My Nutrient Profile system will give you a guide to consider when choosing the proper amount of each substance for your target population. Calcium and magnesium should be consumed in moderation, since they are both digested quickly in the gastrointestinal tract. Also, it is important to read the label claims on nutritional supplements carefully. If a company is making bold claims or promises about the effectiveness of a product without providing scientific evidence to support those claims, it is likely that they are cheating the public with false information. Always read the ingredients list on the back of the nutritional supplement container. If a product has only ӭineral content,Ԡbut includes exotic herbs and other questionable ingredients, you can assume that there could be something wrong with the nutritional content of the product. The above tips are just a few of the many factors to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the right dietary supplements. There are many more things to consider, such as how well the minerals absorb into the body and whether or not they form undesirable or unnecessary metals in the process of being absorbed and used by the body. Supplements should never replace healthy eating and regular exercise and shouldnҴ be used as a ӦillerԠin your diet, since the nutrients that dietary supplements may add are usually from plant sources. Instead, they should be used in conjunction with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise.