Med. Pro Praxi 2009; 6(2): 77-81

Dietary supplements in clinical practice

doc. MUDr. Eliška Sovová Ph.D., MBA

I. interní klinika FN a LF UP Olomouc

Optimal nutrition with the right proportion of essential nutrients (proteins, saccharides, and fats) and adequate amount of vitamins,

minerals, and other antioxidants is the cornerstone of prevention of all civilization diseases. Antioxidants contained in food decrease the

occurrence of both cardiovascular and cancerous diseases. No study has confirmed a positive effect of vitamin supplementation (vitamin

C, vitamin E, folic acid) in tablet form in the prevention of civilization diseases. Vitamin and mineral supplementation can be recommended

in the case of deficiency or when there is an increased demand for them. Other substances for which studies are available that

attempt to confirm the appropriateness of their use in particular diseases include carnitine, creatine, arginine, taurine, lecitin, omega-3

polyunsaturated fatty acids, vegetable sterols, and coenzyme Q 10. Using evidence-based medicine (EBM), the level of recommendation

is I A for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (there is EBM or general expert consensus that treatment is beneficial and data are derived

from at least two randomized studies that confirm the efficacy of treatment). For vegetable sterols, the level of recommendation is I C

(there is general expert consensus based on smaller studies).

Keywords: dietary supplements, carnitine, creatine, arginine, taurine, coenzyme Q 10, lecitin, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vegetable sterols.

Published: May 1, 2009  Show citation