The Role and Impact of Food Supplements in Modern Health
Let Food Be Your Medicine, and Medicine Be Your Food: Scientific Insights into the Healing Power of Nutrition, NOVA Publications , ss.143-161, 2026
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Yayınevi: NOVA Publications
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.143-161
- Anahtar Kelimeler: consumer safety, food supplements, nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, supplement regulation
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Food is essential for human survival, providing energy, structural support, and regulation of bodily functions. Nutrition—the biochemical process by which the body consumes and utilizes food—-is vital for growth, health, and disease prevention. A balanced diet that supplies all necessary nutrients is crucial for proper functioning. However, many individuals today experience nutritional deficiencies due to changing lifestyles, leading to an increased reliance on food supplements to address these gaps. Food supplements, which often contain vitamins, minerals, proteins, and herbal ingredients, are used to complement the diet and support health. While they can provide benefits, these products are not substitutes for a balanced diet and should be used under professional guidance. In Turkey, food supplements are regulated under the Turkish Food Codex, which enforces strict standards to ensure safety, accurate labeling, and the prevention of misleading claims. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, food supplements are not intended to treat, prevent, or cure diseases. Despite their potential to support health, supplements can pose risks, especially when misused or when they interact with medications. The growing use of food supplements has raised concerns about safety, appropriate dosing, and potential side effects. This chapter emphasizes the importance of using supplements responsibly, understanding their potential risks, and maintaining strong regulatory oversight to protect consumer health.