Andrologists, 'Supplements are not useless, but use them well'

"Supplements are not useless. In fact, some food supplements serve to preserve the health of the healthy person and to prevent diseases, but they must be used with awareness". This is the response of the specialists of the Italian Society of Andrology (SIA), to controversies regarding the usefulness of food supplements and the their widespread consumption in Italy. "Food supplements are often the subject of debate, between those who praise them as a panacea and who demonizes them as a useless waste of money or, worse again, a scam - claims Alessandro Palmieri, president of SIA -. The truth lies in the middle: the supplements food, if used with awareness and appropriateness, can represent a valid support for general well-being, but they are not, and should never be considered, substitutes of drugs, a balanced diet and in general a healthy lifestyle of healthy living". For some specific conditions or situations, food supplements can become essential. "Ad for example, they are useful in situations of nutritional deficiencies specifications - adds Tommaso Cai, Secretary General of the SIA-. Despite a seemingly varied diet, it is possible that some people are unable to take in sufficient amounts of certain nutrients. This can happen due to eating habits hectic life; restrictive diets, such as vegetarian ones, vegans or those followed by people with allergies and intolerances. Furthermore, in some physiological conditions particular, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, at an early age advanced or in periods of strong physical and mental stress, they are needed to meet the needs of an increased need for specific nutrients". Then there are some pathologies or pharmacological therapies that can compromise the absorption of nutrients. "In these In some cases, the food supplement may represent the only solution solution - explains Fabrizio Palumbo, president of the Scientific Commission of the SIA-. Some supplements instead have a supporting function: vitamin D or calcium help prevent osteoporosis; vitamin C, zinc and Vitamin D can help strengthen the immune system immune; probiotics and prebiotics can help the balance of bacterial flora".