What Are the Main Types of Supplements?

If you’ve visited your local health store lately, you might have been overwhelmed by the different kinds of supplements. Supplements have become increasingly popular over the last few years with 77% of Americans taking them regularly. 

When it comes to buying supplements it’s important to know what types of supplements are right for you. Let’s take a look at the most popular kinds of supplements.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are the most popular supplement overall. However, they’re also the most overused. A recent poll found that only 21% of people using vitamin supplements had a nutritional deficiency.

Vitamins and minerals can either be bought separately or as a multivitamin. Multivitamins offer everything in just one capsule, which makes them a great choice for people looking to meet their micronutrient needs daily.   

Check out this guide at Supplementor for more about finding the vitamins and minerals you need online. 

Sports Nutrition

Sports nutrition supplements are specifically designed for athletes. They help to build bigger muscles and increase endurance as well as help replenish the body after exercise.

The most popular form of sports nutrition supplement is whey protein. This helps to ensure that athletes consume enough protein daily. Protein supplements come in many forms including:

  • Whey protein
  • Micellar Casein
  • Hydrolyzed protein isolate
  • Pea protein
  • Hemp protein
  • Soy protein

Protein powders are also frequently used as meal replacement shakes for people trying to lose weight.

Other popular types of sports nutrition supplements include

  • Creatine
  • Beta-Alanine
  • Citrulline Malate
  • BCAAs and EAAs

Most regular gym-goers and athletes tend to use a combination of these supplements as they all have specific functions in the body.

Herbal Supplements

While many Western health practitioners are reluctant to endorse the use of herbal supplements, they have become increasingly popular. The use of many of these supplements stems from their roots in Ayurvedic medicine.

Certain plants and herbs have alleged health benefits ranging from increased energy levels to stopping blood clots. There is a wide range of herbal supplements on the market that is both easy to consume and effective, like Five Ele’s Tiger Milk Mushroom Supplement that boosts immunity.

Weight Management

Weight management supplements are designed for people looking to lose weight by burning more calories or reducing their appetite. They were previously grouped in with sports nutrition supplements, but are now considered their category.

Popular weight management supplements include:

  • Caffeine
  • Green tea
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Raspberry Ketones
  • Garcinia Cambogia extract

It’s important to exercise caution when using weight management supplements as many of them can have adverse effects including increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and sleeplessness.

Specialty Supplements

Specialty supplements are designed to treat specific ailments. These could be digestive problems, specific dietary needs, high blood pressure, or arthritis. The most common specialty supplements include:

  • Fiber supplements
  • Probiotics
  • Glucosamine/Chrondroitin
  • CoQ10
  • MCT Oil
  • Fish Oil

Where vitamins and minerals are designed to help the body and its metabolic processes as a whole, these supplements are designed for specific needs depending on the individual.

Do You Need All These Types of Supplements?

Before you go out and buy all these different types of supplements it’s important to know whether or not you actually need them. Most supplements aren’t necessary because they can be sourced in a balanced and nutritious diet.

With that being said, if you are deficient or if you’re an athlete then supplements can be a great way to help you meet your health needs. For more articles on health and wellness be sure to take a look at the rest of our blog.

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Infographic provided by Antares Health Products, a TPGS manufacturer

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