Supplement your life

Natural supplements are everywhere - but what differentiates them from one another and what can they do for you?

- LEILA PETERSEN

We are all familiar with the saying: "Take your vitamins!"and while that sounds straightforward enough, choosing the right supplement these days is a bit more complicated. Natural supplements have surged in popularity, promising everything from enhanced energy to improved immunity. But with so many options flooding the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out what sets them apart and which ones might truly benefit you. To help make sense of it all, we've enlisted the expertise of Dr Judey Pretorius, a biomedical scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium Skincare. Whether you're generally curious about supplements or are looking to tackle a targeted concern, read on to discover how these natural allies can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

On a basic level, what are natural supplements and do they differ from vitamins?

Available in tablets, capsules, gels, powders and even liquid form, supplements are products intended to provide nutritional value to the body and typically consist of plant-based supplements made from herbs, bark, and roots or other ingredients, including minerals and amino acids. Vitamins, on the other hand, can be both natural (cultivated from food sources) and synthetic (manufactured in a lab). The key distinction is that vitamins are specific nutrients, whereas "supplements" are a broader category that includes vitamins, minerals, herbs and other compounds. Essentially, vitamins are indeed a type of supplement, but not all supplements are vitamins.

Is it absolutely necessary to use supplements?

Honestly, it depends. The perception that natural supplements are natural, and therefore safe, creates the perception that you can use as many of them as you choose. However, natural supplements should instead be seen as tools to add to health. Ideally, they should not replace the priority of following an active lifestyle and eating healthy.