Do I need supplement? KNOW YOUR NEED FIRST

A hot cake question... This question is a MUST question when a client meet a nutritionist. " I need supplement because I need to look young, I have to look slim in this dress, perhaps, lecithin can help me, Oh man, she looks gorgeous with her fair skin; it must be that vitamin E she consumed" etc...

In Islam, we have been taught that all ailments have their own cure, and the main point is to have TRUST IN HIM as the MIGHTY CURER. Supplement in the other words is the interconnection between your effort and the cure that come from ALLAH. It is not I say that you are not allowed to take supplement, yes you can. But the method of trust and hope to ALLAH that need to be crucially emphasised. 

Back to the question: SHOULD I TAKE SUPPLEMENT? The answer is: 

IT IS NOT EASY TO SAY YES OR NO. Why is that so?

1. Supplements are expensive. Might be a drawback for those who are not financially sound
2. Zawacki (Medical news Today, Dec 2012) says: "everyone is unique' which implies that every person body nutritional needs are different. 
3. Adding foods with high targeted nutrients rather than supplements also provide the patients with protein, fiber, and other nutrients. There is no tablet or capsule that contains all that. 
4. Some food contains (we called it SUPER FOOD) wide range of nutrients: 

SPINACH: rich in iron, potassium, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and magnesium.

SWEET POTATO : rich in vitamins A, B₆ and C, fiber, potassium, carbohydrates, and carotene (the pink, yellow ones). 

Oily fish - rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Examples include salmon, herring, sardines, tuna and mackerel. They help arthritis and lower the risk of heart disease, memory loss and possibly some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Walnuts, flax seeds and fortified eggs are also rich in omega-3s.

Wheat germ - part of wheat that germinates and grows into a plant; the seed's embryo. Unfortunately, during food processing when cereals are refined, the germ and the bran are often milled out. Wheat germ is high in folate (folic acid), thiamin, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and vitamin E. It is also a great source of fiber.

Avocados - very rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamins E and K. Studies have shown that regular avocado consumption can reduce blood cholesterol levels. Do not avoid avocados because they are high in fat - avocados contain monosaturated (good) fat.

Oats - oats are rich in B vitamins, potassium, folate, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

(sources: medicine news today, available at: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/254299.php)

THEREFORE, WHY DIETARY SUPPLEMENT IS INVENTED?

Read the word: Supplement. As being noted in any English dictionary, supplement is defined as: Something that completes or enhances something else when added to it. In other words, you have to consume your daily meals (provided the meals are nutrient-dense) and supplement are only required if the meals deficit with  specific nutrient . Not based on that, supplements are only RECOMMENDED by the health professional IF:

1. Some people who have problems absorbing nutrients, 
2. Pregnant women need certain supplements, 
3. Age may be a factor in some cases, 
4. Patients with chronic diseases 
5. Exercise a lot, take part in endurance sports

Dietary supplement is not a compulsory for a healthy individuals, but more to assist  those who are nutritional in needs.

"Taking supplements is a personal decision based on an individual's knowledge about their needs, their diet and life stage."

Be a knowledgeable consumer. 

References:

1. Medicine news today (December 2012), available at: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/254299.php
2. Insel P.,  Ross D., McMahon K. & Bernstein M. (2007) Nutrition 4th Ed., Jones & Bartlett: Massachussets 

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