The increase in consumption of nutritional supplements (and their efficacy) in the Covid-19 pandemic

“In the midst of a devastating global pandemic, consumers have sought additional protections against viral infections and illnesses based on the assumption that complementary products may offer health benefits o’immunostimulator‘effects if consumed,’ noted one study, Growth of the market for dietary supplements and nutraceuticals during the coronavirus pandemic: implications for consumers and regulatory oversight.

A recent survey by consultancy EY India also highlighted that Indian consumers are now willing to spend more on fitness, health and nutrition with the COVID-19 creating “the biggest seismic shift” by bringing health and immunity to center stage.

Rise of the nutritional supplements market in India

As a result of increasing demand, various ‘made in India’ nutritional supplements ranging from tasty gummies and strips to powders, mixes and teas became popular in the country.

“The pandemic surely increased the consumption of supplements globally as people began to be more aware of themselves and their families to stay healthy and safe from various ailments and diseases. lifestyle diseasessaid Rakshit Mehta, CEO of NanoVeda, a brand that combines nanotechnology and Ayurveda to create dissolvable strips of nutritional supplements. He shared that NanoVeda Immune Strips, Iron Strips, Sleep Strips, Ashwagandha, and Curcumin Strips were some of the favorites during the pandemic.

A similar upward trend was seen by CosMix, which makes supplements that use blends of superfoods and adaptogens, both of which target particular problems. “People have become more aware of what is good for them and their general well-being. Health took precedence like never before, especially when it came to the gut. Fortunately, we were already talking about its importance and we had the solution ready,” said Vibha Harish, founder of CosMix.

What are nutritional supplements?

Before we dive in, let’s understand more about what exactly nutritional supplements are. According to Vidhi Dhingra, senior clinical dietitian for vHealth by Aetna, nutritional supplements are products “that are added to the diet when one cannot meet the body’s requirements. It usually contains one or more dietary ingredients that help meet the daily recommended dietary requirements needed. Essential nutritional supplements include vitamins, mineralsproteins, fats, water and carbohydrates.”

According to Anagha PA, Clinical Dietitian, Manipal Hospital, “Some nutritional supplements can be taken in general for general wellness. Some are used exclusively in therapeutic conditions where supplements include whey protein, hydrolyzed forms of protein, rich in immunonutrients, etc.

How effective are nutritional supplements?

Experts believe that when taken at the right time and in the right amount, supplements can help improve overall health and performance.

“They also help in the management and prevention of certain Health conditions Calcium and vitamin D supplements are effective in strengthening bones, folic acid supplements have been used successfully to reduce the risk of certain birth defects, fish oil is good for heart and brain health, protein supplements are known to build muscle and speed recovery. Vitamin C Supplements boost immunity and have been widely prescribed by doctors over the COVID-19 pandemic too,” explained Aman Puri, founder of Steadfast Nutrition.

However, it is important to note that supplements are not a substitute for a well-balanced, nutritious meal. Only when the requirements are not covered by our daily diet, supplements should be used to fill the deficiency. “It is important to include a variety of foods throughout the day balanced eating planDhingra said.

Who really needs them?

From age and weight to exercise levels and other bodily requirements, the required dosage of supplements varies from person to person, experts say. “Taking supplements has become a necessity for most people in this time of stress, scarcity of freshly produced food, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyles, calorie-restricted diets, and resulting nutritional deficiencies,” Puri said.

Emphasizing the need for supplementation in women, he added: “Women in particular need supplementation due to nutritional deficiencies caused as they go through different stages of their life, such as menstruation, the pregnancylactation and menopause.

Additionally, elderly and post-operative individuals need such supplements to support their health and recovery. However, it is essential to consult an expert before starting any supplement to ensure the correct dosage.

seasonal herbal supplements

Anagha listed some herbal supplements that are best consumed in the summer, winter, and rainy seasons.

Summer – Oregano, parsley, chamomilebasil
Winter – Thyme, oregano, chives, mint and chamomile
Monsoon – Tulsiginger, garlic, coriander and mulethi

“Thyme, parsley, basil, oregano if taken in limited quantities, it can be consumed throughout the year,” added Dhingra.

With the summer season steadily onset, Puri shared simple and delicious ways to consume the goodness of some summer-friendly herbs. “One can enjoy mint in the summers in the form of a lemon- mint mojitos, or raita mint for the herb’s natural cooling effect. You can also make mint-infused water, refrigerate it, and consume it to cool off during summer dehydration. Another very popular herb is lemongrass which is consumed during the summers in the form of lemongrass iced tea which aids in better digestion and has a calming effect on the stomach.”

Consume with caution

While nutritional supplements are known to have many health benefits, as mentioned, they should be taken with caution. “Overdose can have side effects and can be counterproductive to health. For example, if there is a vitamin B-6 deficiency and the patient takes the supplement above the recommended dose, it can lead to nerve damage. Similary, vitamin D supplements it should not be taken with caffeinated beverages and iron-rich supplements as it may interfere with iron absorption,” explained Dhingra.

Also, “Avoid vitamin A supplements during pregnancy (to avoid birth defects) and if you smoke (to avoid chances of Cancer). Excess vitamin C and E can trigger tumor growth,” Puri said.

Anagha added that kidney supplements should only be consumed by kidney patients.

Keep these essential points in mind

If you plan to include some nutritional supplements in your daily diet, don’t miss out on these important tips, as suggested by nutrition experts.

1. Not everyone needs supplements. Seek medical guidance before starting a regimen to understand if you really need additional nutrition. Even over-the-counter supplements should not be consumed without expert consultation.
2. Make sure you fully understand the foods and medications that can interfere with the supplements you plan to take. Complete knowledge of the composition of the supplement and the foods or drugs that counteract it is vital.
3. Supplements do not make a person superhuman. One must be aware of the limitations of the body and not overdo it with rigorous exercise regimens.
4. Using cheap quality supplements can damage your organs in the long run. Use only high quality supplements for a better quality of life.

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