HEALTHY ARTICLES

Vitamin supplements have been in existence since many ages ago when technology and science enabled mankind to process the nutrients from raw sources into capsulated containers. Since then, the pharmaceutical industry has been instrumental in helping shape the human health.

Granted, the supplements are effective in boosting the immune system by providing vitamins and mineral essential for the human life’s survival. They help prevent nutrition or vitamin deficiency, thereby, contributing to optimal health.

The human body is constantly bombarded with toxins, free radicals, and other environmental risks that would stress out the body and deplete its nutrients. However, by supplementing on vitamins and minerals, the nutrients lost are immediately replenished. Thus, toxins, free radicals, and other harmful bacteria are eliminated, if not totally eradicated from the system as this may already be impossible.

Some vitamins and minerals can be obtained directly from the foods we eat like fruits, vegetables, oils, and certain dairy and livestock products such as eggs, milk, chicken and lean meat.

The medical experts classify nutrients to be essential and non-essential. Based on irrefutable scientific findings, the essential nutrients are water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

To complete the vitamin requirements, individuals must constantly supply 13 types, 8 of which belong to the B complex including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12, while the other vitamins are A, C, D, E, K, and biotin.

Among the essential minerals are calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, iodine, and potassium.

These essential and trace mineral are necessary to growth and functions including development of bones and teeth, and regulating nerve and muscle activities.

Because not all these essential vitamins and minerals are immediately supplied to the body, nutritional supplements are recommended. Depending on the needs, there are supplements that provide a specific nutrient like vitamin C, E, or calcium. There are also multi-vitamins supplements.

While these supplements are significant to human health, not all of them are necessary. Since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, our scientists have been bolder in their advocacy that each individual is unique as per his or her DNA composition.

This means that not 2 or more individuals are alike. And this goes out even to their nutritional needs. What is best for John may not be good for Peter, even if they are siblings. Thus, if John suffers from calcium deficiency, his nutritional requirements are not the same with Peter and vice-versa.

The vitamin supplements available today are based on a standard size—one that fits all. After the human DNA is sequenced, scientists affirm that this should not be the case as every individual has a unique nutrient requirement.
To further optimize health, pharmaceutical companies must formulate DNA-based supplements based on a person’s genetic makeup. In a family, one of the children may need more calcium supplement than the rest. Or, 2 of them may need more vitamin A nutrient than do the rest.

With DNA-based supplements, the person is assured that he or she will only be taking the nutrients his or her body needs.

However, before the DNA-based supplements are formulated, an individual must first undergo a genetic testing. This will enable medical professionals determine which areas need more which type of attention. A genetic testing can be made in a clinic, hospital, or it can be taken at home through a gene test kit which is pre-ordered by a healthcare provider.

The gene test is analyzed in a laboratory and the result shall be the basis for formulating DNA-based supplements.
Now that the Human Genome Project is complete. Scientists are hoping that the future will bring a healthier and longer-living mankind.