It is common to come across the term “food supplements” when looking for a healthy and balanced life. These products have gained popularity in recent years, but what are food supplements and what role do they play in our diet? In this post by Arandovo, the company in charge of developing the functional ingredient MKARE, we’ll tell you all about the types of food supplements you can find on the market and which ones are the most recommended.
Food supplements: what are they and what is their function?
Food supplements are products designed to complement the daily diet and provide essential nutrients that may be absent or present in insufficient amounts. These supplements are most commonly found in the form of tablets, capsules, powders or concentrated liquids, depending on the brand or type of product.
The main feature of food supplements is to provide additional nutrients that may be beneficial to our health. These nutrients can include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids or other substances that complement the daily food intake and help to meet nutritional requirements.
It is important to highlight that food supplements should not be considered as substitutes for a balanced and varied diet. Their proper use implies combining them with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
When to take food supplements?
When taking food supplements, we should base our decision on individual needs and always under the recommendation of a health professional. Although in some specific cases, such as diagnosed nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy, lactation or chronic diseases, it may be necessary to make use of these products.
It is essential to remember that the priority should always be to get the necessary nutrients through a varied and balanced diet. Food supplements can be useful when there are difficulties in obtaining certain nutrients through the diet, but they should not be the first option.
Types of food supplements
There are different types of food supplements available on the market, each designed to meet specific needs. Here are the most important categories:
Vitamins and minerals
This category includes supplements that provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B complex, calcium, iron, zinc, among others. Said supplements are designed to complement nutrient intake when there are deficiencies or specific needs.
Essential fatty acids
Essential fatty acid supplements, such as omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, are popular because of their benefits for cardiovascular, brain and skin health. These fatty acids can be found in sources such as fatty fish, seeds and vegetable oils.
Proteins
In the case of protein supplements, they are widely used by athletes and people seeking to increase their protein intake. These can be present in the form of whey powder, vegetable protein, casein, among others. Said supplements help in recovery and muscle growth.
Sports performance supplements
This category includes supplements specifically designed to enhance athletic performance and muscle recovery. They may contain ingredients such as creatine, beta-alanine, BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), pre-workouts and post-workouts formulated to increase energy, strength and endurance.
Digestive health supplements
Digestive health supplements include probiotics, digestive enzymes and dietary fiber, among others. These supplements help maintain a healthy balance in the digestive system, improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Bone health supplements
This category includes supplements that contain calcium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients for bone health. These supplements can be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis and strengthening bones.
Brain health supplements
Supplements focused on improving brain function and mental health are also popular. They may include omega-3s, B vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients that help cognition, memory and mood.
Benefits of food supplements
Food supplements can offer several health benefits when used properly and in combination with a balanced diet. Some of the potential benefits include:
Complement missing nutrients
Supplements can help compensate for deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that may be absent in the daily diet.
Promote overall health
Some supplements are formulated to improve overall health, such as strengthening the immune system, improving cardiovascular health or maintaining proper hormone balance.
Increase physical performance
In the case of supplements designed to enhance athletic performance, they can help increase endurance, muscle strength and recovery after exercise.
Facilitate weight loss
Some supplements may help speed up metabolism, control appetite or increase fat burning, which can be beneficial for those who want to lose weight.
Improve digestive health
Supplements with probiotics and digestive enzymes can help maintain a healthy balance in the digestive system and improve digestion.
Egg membrane, a 100% natural component
The egg membrane is a functional ingredient that natively contains a unique source of bioactive compounds with multiple health benefits for people.
At Arandovo, we work every day to investigate the great potential of the egg inner membrane as a 100% natural functional ingredient. Therefore, we have developed an innovative product based on egg membrane: MKARE.
MKARE is rich in collagen, containing about 22%, not to mention elastin, hyaluronic acid and over 400 key biomolecules. Thanks to this combined matrix, a mechanism of action with a profound anti-inflammatory effect and a great regenerative power is achieved in a single ingredient.
On the other hand, the main bioactive compounds of the egg membrane are: collagen (Type I, V and X), elastin, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, lysozyme, chondroitin sulfate… And so on, up to over 400 proteins, thanks to this unique matrix of compounds we can enjoy its multiple benefits with a low daily dose, less than 300 mg per day.
It should be noted that the intake of MKARE not only helps with sports performance but is also recommended to delay the aging process, improving the welfare of the elderly, maintaining skin, hair and nails in good condition, not to mention it is also recommended to improve the health of our pets.
If you want to know more about the properties of MKARE and all of its benefits, visit our website now or send us an email, we will answer all your questions.
