Nearly 80% of Australians focus on keeping themselves and their families healthy. Nearly 8.3 million Australians buy vitamins, supplements and minerals. Obesity rates are rising in Australia because many people don’t eat the right kind of food. Australians prefer to take multivitamins and multimineral supplements. Most Australians don’t meet the dietary recommendations because of poor appetite, strict dieting, or changing nutritional needs. Supplements are taken to bridge the gap and help people meet nutritional needs. Buying supplements in Australia is not difficult because many health food stores and supermarkets have them.
Healthy food in Australian homes has been replaced by junk food bought from supermarkets. But no matter how healthy people are, they need dietary supplements since they don’t get the recommended nutrition from their food. Nearly 60% of Australians take some type of supplement. Stores sell a variety of supplements like fish oil for heart health, echinacea for colds, and cranberry for urinary tract infections. Stores sell supplements in the form of powders, pills and liquids. People take them to fill the gaps in their diets. However, Australians are trying to change their eating habits because they have become more health conscious.
Popular supplements in Australia
Calcium and vitamin D strengthens the bones. Generally, the human body absorbs calcium from dairy food and vitamin D from sun exposure. But people who do not include dairy in their diet will not meet the Calcium requirements. Those who spend most time indoors and have less physical activity don’t get enough vitamin D from the sun. These people require Calcium and vitamin D supplements to keep their bones strong.
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that regulates the immune system and inflammation. It is needed for respiratory, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health. Studies show that omega-3 regulates immune function and blood pressure, supports a positive mood, maintains healthy body weight and promotes muscle and joint health. Generally, people need 500 to 900 mg of omega-3 supplements to meet optimal levels.
Magnesium is another vital supplement for maintaining good health. Magnesium deficiency is common in people who consume high amounts of processed food, drink large amounts of alcohol, and have blood sugar abnormalities and gastrointestinal conditions. Health problems associated with low magnesium levels are weakening of bones, irregular blood pressure, muscle cramps, irritability, anxiety and fatigue. Magnesium supplements are required for people who eat food low in magnesium.
Probiotics are bacteria that help the gut to function well. Probiotic supplements are essential for maintaining gut health. The human body digests and absorbs nutrients through the gut. Balancing the bacteria in the gut is essential to maintain good health. Any imbalance in the gut bacteria leads to nutrient deficiencies. Probiotic supplements support weight management, healthy immune function and proper brain health.
Who needs dietary supplements?
People following a restrictive diet like the vegan diet have increased chances of nutrient deficiencies.
People who live in remote places don’t have access to a variety of nutritious foods.
People whose lifestyle involves travelling a lot or working for long hours.
People who cannot digest certain foods and those with certain medical conditions can develop nutritional deficiencies.
Benefits of taking supplements
Supplements provide nutrients that are not obtained from the diet.
They help to maintain good health by compensating for nutrient deficiencies.
They enhance physical and mental well-being.
They address specific health issues like macular degeneration and vision problems.
They act as preventive measures to help with existing health issues.
Many trusted stores sell supplements in Australia at competitive prices. Nutritional supplements help people to stay healthy, but getting nutrients from a well-balanced diet is more effective. Only those who can’t get enough nutrients from food must opt for supplements because supplements can never replace a healthy diet.
