3 note before choosing functional foods

Functional foods are becoming more popular but also make consumers "dizzy" because of so many choices.

Should consider before choosing functional foods.

Nutritional value is of prime importance

From the concerns of many people visiting the Nutrition Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Do Thi Ngoc Diep - Director of the Nutrition Center, advised that: “The first thing you need to do is check the active ingredients and prices. nutritional treatment of products, do not rush to choose what to advertise. Then, determine if these ingredients have health benefits that meet your body's needs. The common mistake among consumers is to think that they can buy useful functional foods, but in fact it is not very effective because it does not meet the needs of the body. The substance is good, which is the right need.

Ms. Ngoc Nga, 38 years old, is an accountant, said: "My son is in 9th grade, he stays up late to study, he is quite thin, so the doctor advised me to supplement his nutrition. When buying and then knowing, there are too many products with the same function. I have read carefully the nutritional value of the source of prepared ingredients, the content of substances in food. After selection, I bought a capsule supplement containing mineral algae and a high protein content for my child. After 20 days of use, I started to eat well and gain weight, my eyes became less painful. ” .

Carefully check ingredients in functional foods.

Origin should not be taken lightly

The origin of goods is also a special consideration when goods in the market are too diverse.

Dr. Ngoc Diep emphasized: “Functional foods have many different origins, imported types, some are produced by domestic companies. You should note the brand of reputable manufacturer to choose good products for yourself and your family. Should choose the products of reputable manufacturers, produced from quality raw materials of Vietnam, of natural origin rather than synthesized. Nutrient in natural products will be easily absorbed and bring better health benefits ”.

Spivital Nutri functional food is a 100% Vietnamese product produced by Hau Giang Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company from the source of mineral algae spirulina in Vinh Hao. Due to being grown in suitable natural conditions, Spirulina algae has 62% protein, 11% glucide, iron, sodium, copper, potassium, iodine and rich in vitamins B1, B2, and B6. In 100gr spivital algae contains up to 2,160mg B12.

Spirulina powder is believed to be used in many functional foods and pharmaceuticals worldwide.

Carefully "matrix" prices

The price of functional food is considered quite high compared to the income of Vietnamese people. On the other hand, there are many types of functional foods that work the same, but there are "heavenly" types, "underground". This makes many people confused as to fall into "matrix".

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Food Safety, Ministry of Health once said: “Functional food prices are published by enterprises themselves on the basis of cost plus tax and business costs. , profit ... Therefore, the authorities are difficult to control and manage. So consumers should check prices in the market to avoid buying products that are too high prices.

Functional foods come in various types, from capsules, tablets, effervescent tablets to water (fruit, tea), gel ... Each type will have different uses and preserves. Usually in capsule form, tablets will be more convenient than water, gel ...