When are supplements necessary?

Nutrient deficiencies are a widespread problem occuring among the rich and the poor.

https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-star-malaysia/20260222/282480010263654

Are Supplements Truly Necessary? Essential Facts Every Health Enthusiast Should Know
 

Are Supplements Truly Necessary? Essential Facts Every Health Enthusiast Should Know

In an era where people are becoming increasingly health-conscious, adopting a nutritious diet and regular exercise has become more popular than ever. Yet, many individuals are also turning to dietary supplements or vitamins as a way to enhance their health and strengthen their immune systems. But what are the actual pros and cons of these supplements? And how can one consume them appropriately to match the body’s unique needs?

Benefits of Taking Supplements and Vitamins

1. Compensates for Nutritional Deficiencies
If your diet lacks variety or you have dietary restrictions—such as following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle—you may be missing out on essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, or Vitamin D. Supplements can help bridge these nutritional gaps effectively.

2. Helps Rebalance the Body
Certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis or hormonal imbalances, may require additional nutritional support. In such cases, supplements like calcium or Vitamin D can play a crucial role in restoring balance and supporting recovery.

3. Enhances Skin Health and Immunity
Popular supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 fatty acids are widely used to boost skin vitality and immune function. These nutrients can help maintain youthful skin and reduce the risk of various diseases.

Drawbacks of Taking Supplements

1. Potential Side Effects
Overconsumption of vitamins or supplements can lead to side effects. For instance, high doses of Vitamin A may cause toxicity, while excessive calcium intake can contribute to bone or kidney issues.

2. Cannot Replace a Balanced Diet
Supplements should not be seen as a substitute for nutritious food. Relying solely on pills instead of whole foods—like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins—can lead to deficiencies in other vital nutrients found in natural sources.

3. High Cost
Quality supplements often come with a high price tag, making them less accessible or sustainable for long-term use, especially for those with budget constraints.

Guidelines for Safe and Effective Supplement Use

1. Choose Reputable Sources
Always purchase supplements from trusted brands and sources that are certified by reputable regulatory bodies (such as the FDA or equivalent local authorities) to ensure safety and quality.

2. Consult Healthcare Professionals
Before starting any supplement regimen, it’s advisable to consult a physician or a registered dietitian. They can assess your specific needs and recommend supplements that align with your individual health profile.

3. Take the Right Dosage

More is not always better. Taking supplements in excessive amounts can be harmful. Always adhere to the recommended dosages as advised by healthcare experts to avoid adverse effects..

Wolves in sheep’s clothing

PM: billions were stolen by so-called race champions

Party unity: (From left) Roslina Abu Bakar, Tan Chiam Yi and Nurul Ain Natasha Sahar taking a wefie during the Selangor PKR Convention. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

GOMBAK: The era of hiding corruption behind ethnic loyalty must end, as billions were siphoned off by those claiming to champion a particular race, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said racial slogans have long been used to deceive Malaysians and that they should not be misled by rhetoric cloaked in ethnic sentiment.

He added that there were some leaders who once claimed to champion Malay interests but had in reality amassed vast personal wealth, worth billions allegedly stashed in accounts under their control.

He said such leaders had betrayed the very community they professed to defend.

“People spoke about fighting for Malays but when you looked at their accounts, there were billions.

“They claimed to protect the community while siphoning off funds here and there,” he said in his speech at the Selangor PKR Convention yesterday.

Anwar said such leaders are uncomfortable with the current unity government not because they are misunderstood, but because they fear accountability under a federal administration anchored in justice and principles.

“This is a government that does not compromise. The country must be saved, must stand firm on principles and must reject all attempts to deceive and plunder national wealth,” he said.

Anwar added that the current administration had shown unprecedented resolve in acting against corruption involving figures at all levels, including ministers, former ministers and senior officials.

He reiterated that the unity government also rejected politics based on ethnic supremacy and remained multiracial and multireligious in its approach.

“We have never claimed to be champions of any one race. We are champions of justice, giving people what is rightfully theirs,” he said, adding that the government had recorded its strongest performance in tackling hardcore poverty across all communities.

Anwar also said Cabinet meetings consistently examined the full range of national challenges, with particular focus on socio-economic concerns such as employment and education.

“This government makes a deliberate effort to discuss and resolve every single issue affecting every single person in this country,” he said.

Anwar noted that previous efforts by other political leaders to form multiracial parties had failed, with many dismissing in the late 1990s the idea that Malaysia could succeed under a genuinely multiracial political platform.

In this respect, the PKR president said PKR had proven its commitment and remained steadfast in representing and safeguarding the interests of all communities by ensuring inclusive representation within the party.

Anwar assured members of the Indian community present at the gathering that PKR would continue to stand firm in defending their rights and ensuring their voices are heard within the political system.

“I want all Indians present to know, this party will fight and defend your rights,” he said to applause from delegates.

While acknowledging that the Malays form the majority and Islam is the religion of the federation, he said this must be balanced with fairness and respect.

“To live in Malaysia, we must safeguard Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban and Kadazan. To succeed as a united force, there must be a voice representing everyone,” he added.

Anwar also assured that the future of the Malays would be protected through firm and transparent policies, with the Chinese having a role to play in the party’s vision for the nation.

By ARFA YUNUS ,the Star

New Year of Fire Horse brings ‘rapid change’ in 2026

The Fire Horse Effect—Why Powerful Women Are Still Labeled ‘Too Much’

 PETALING JAYA: The Year of the Fire Horse is expected to bring fast-moving opportunities, stiff competition and rapid change, with success favouring those who act boldly but think clearly, according to feng shui and metaphysics practitioners.

They said 2026 carries strong forward momentum, but warn that impulsive decisions and reactive thinking could lead to missteps in a year defined by speed, intensity and transformation.

In Chinese metaphysics, they added, each year is governed by a combination of a zodiac animal and one of the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water – which rotate in cyclical patterns.

2026 is classified as a Fire Horse year because it combines the Horse zodiac with the Fire element – a pairing associated with movement, ambition, visibility and acceleration, they said.

“The horse symbolises momentum and forward drive, while fire represents intensity, leadership and transformation.

“Together, they form a high-energy cycle often linked to rapid shifts, heightened competition and expanding opportunities but also greater risks when decisions are made impulsively,” said feng shui and geomancy consultant Prof Joe Choo Sook Lin.

Choo said the Fire Horse year reflects a period where growth potential builds steadily rather than explosively.

She described 2026 as a phase where opportunities emerge gradually, with momentum strengthening over time rather than arriving instantly.

Metaphysics expert Desmond Chun Yew Leong said personal grounding remains just as important as external action.

He encouraged Malaysians to return to basics, starting with family, intention and mindset.

“When nothing seems to move smoothly, start at home. Spend time with your parents or elderly family members, not just during Chinese New Year but regularly. Maintaining that bond often has a grounding effect that goes beyond symbolism,” he said.

“It’s not about rituals. When you reconnect with your parents, your heart settles. When your heart is steady, your decisions become clearer,” he added, describing parents as a form of gui ren (noble support).

Chun also encouraged charity and good deeds, stressing intention over expectation.

“Charity is about the cultivation of the heart. If you expect returns, the purpose is lost. When you feel adequate and at peace, you act with steadiness, which helps you navigate challenges,” he said.

He added that character plays a crucial role in both life and career.

“Being kind and responsible builds trust, reputation and relationships, which in metaphysical terms attracts supportive energy from those around you,” he said.

Chun also suggests spending time in positive environments, such as morning visits to temples, as a way to refresh energy and maintain balance.

“Before trying to change fate, take care of the heart. Many answers start at home,” he said.

Chinese New Year elements gain momentum overseas as ...

People's Daily

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 In simple terms, Vogue summarized the symbolism as "rapid change, fresh opportunities, personal growth, and a faster pace of life."Read more

Penang dazzles for Chinese New Year

The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my › metro-news › 2026/02/11

 PENANG'S streets have turned a striking shade of red this Chinese New Year, as lanterns, temple lights, and modern projections combine to ...Read more

Penang to pay out i-Sejahtera aid starting Saturday

Great benefits: Chow (second from left), deputy state finance officer Khairusany Mohamed Yusof (third from left) and Lim (fourth from right) at the press conference in Komtar. — K.T. GOH/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will spend RM50.93mil on 281,135 recipients under Phase One of this year’s i-Sejahtera aid programme.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the aid will be disbursed via electronic fund transfer starting Feb 7.

He said the allocation would benefit 211,471 senior citizens, 16,694 persons with disabilities, 10,296 single mothers and 42,674 recipients under the golden housewife scheme.

“This programme is the state government’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of the people, particularly vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, the disabled, single mothers and housewives,” he said during a press conference in Komtar yesterday.

Chow said the allocation, which amounted to about 5% of the state’s revenue, is slightly lower than in 2025 due to a more targe­ted and focused approach.

Last year, the state government spent RM56.76mil on 290,629 recipients under various ­i-­Sejahtera programmes.

Chow said the adjustment reflected updated recipient data and stricter eligibility screening to ensure aid reaches those who are genuinely in need.

He said the initiative went beyond financial assistance, serving as recognition of the contributions made by these groups to the state’s social and economic deve­lopment.

Applications submitted after Jan 10 will be processed for payment under Phase Two of the 2026 programme, he added.

Also present was Penang social development, welfare and non-­Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.

Registration can be carried out via the official i-Sejahtera website at https://isejahtera.penang.gov.my.

Applicants are encouraged to update their bank account details to ensure smooth payment processing.

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Easy buys for all and sundry

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