Advantage
Dr. Payal Chaudhary - senior consultant, obstetrician and gynecologist at Rainbow Children's Hospital (India) - said that dietary supplements help prevent nutritional deficiencies and support many functions of the body.
For women, supplementing with dietary supplements is important to ensure nutritional needs are met and optimal health is maintained.
Because women have unique physiological requirements due to factors such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, they may increase their need for certain vitamins.
“For example, pregnant women often need extra folic acid to support neural tube development in their babies. Postmenopausal women may benefit from calcium and vitamin D supplements to maintain bone health,” says Dr. Chaudhary.
Additionally, some women may have dietary restrictions or medical conditions that affect their ability to absorb nutrients.
In such cases, supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and prevent deficiencies.
Supplements also help regulate hormones, says Dr. Chaudhary, because women experience many hormonal changes throughout their lives, from menstrual cycles, pregnancy to menopause.
Some dietary supplements, such as omega-3s, phytoestrogens (found in soybeans), or herbs, can help balance hormones, reducing symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, or mood swings.
In particular, dietary supplements also support the beauty care process such as collagen, vitamin C, biotin to help improve skin elasticity, prevent wrinkles and protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. Collagen is especially important for skin firmness and moisture.
Disadvantages
Dr. Payal Chaudhary points out some disadvantages when women use dietary supplements including:
Misuse and Dependence: Women can easily misuse dietary supplements as an alternative to a healthy diet. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies that come naturally from fresh foods, which can affect overall health.
Difficulty in dosage control: Determining the appropriate dosage when using dietary supplements is an important issue. If the dosage is not correct, it can cause excess or deficiency of nutrients, leading to health problems such as metabolic disorders or being overweight.
Side effects and allergic reactions: Some women may experience side effects or allergic reactions when taking dietary supplements, especially with natural ingredients like herbs or vitamins. Common side effects may include skin allergies, nausea, or digestive upset.
Effects on reproductive health: Some dietary supplements contain ingredients that stimulate hormones, which can affect the menstrual cycle, fertility, or even cause hormonal disorders. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be especially careful when using dietary supplements.
