A dietary supplement (also known as food supplement) is a preparation intended to supply nutrients, (such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids) that are missing or not consumed in sufficient quantity in a person's diet. One form of nutritional supplements are energy bars, nutrition bars or power bars. Bars are convenient, portable and provide easy access to calories and nutrients when you're short on time.

You might ask yourself; "Is my energy bar a dietary supplement? Or only a nicely dressed candy bar?". Well, here are some clues to look for when choosing a bar as a nutritional supplement.

When choosing from the many varieties, make sure to use your label reading skills.

Calories: Most energy bars range between 100 to over 300 calories. Depending on what your goals are, you'll want to make sure to check the label and serving size to see how many calories you are actually consuming. These calories should be incorporated into your daily needs and vary depending on your activity level.

Fat: Many bars will have a moderate amount of fat as an energy source.
Bars with 4 or less grams of fat per 230 calories are your best bet since too much fat slows down digestion and can also upset your stomach. In addition to the total amount of fat in the bar, it's also important to pay attention to the type of fat used.

Saturated fats such as hydrogenated oils (coconut and palm kernel oil) are artery clogging and can increase your risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer. On the label, ingredients are listed in order of quantity used. Selecting bars with these saturated fats listed as one of the top three ingredients may not be your best choice. Look for bars that are made with less saturated fats, such as canola, vegetable or peanut oils.

Carbohydrates: Most bars contain a mixture of simple (brown rice syrup, high fructose corn syrup) and complex (rice, oats, maltodextrin) carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are digested into glucose and provide a source of energy for working muscles.
Many energy bars used by active individuals contain between 20 and 50 grams of carbohydrates, which is generally what your body requires during an hour of exercise.

Protein: Quality, not quantity is the name of the game when it comes to protein. A high quality protein is one that can provide you with the necessary essential amino acids to support growth and health. Most energy bars get their protein from whey or casein, which are milk proteins. Some energy bars now include soy as a nondairy source of protein.
At least 50 grams of protein per day are recommended for most individuals, however, active people may require 60 to 70 grams a day.
As a meal replacement, a higher protein bar may be a better choice for those days when you don't have time to make a turkey sandwich.

Vitamins/minerals: In addition to the energy provided by these bars, many are also fortified with a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals. Although nothing takes the place of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy products, a fortified energy bar can help replace what you're not getting in food.

What else should you keep in mind?

Water. Make sure to drink plenty of H2O when eating an energy bar. At least 12 to 16 ounces of water are suggested to aid in the absorption of the nutrients and to keep you hydrated.

Moderation. Although these bars can provide an easy way to make up for a missed meal or provide an energy boost, don't overdo it. If you are unwrapping more bars than you are sitting down to meals, it's time to rework your eating plan.

Remember they are a supplement to a well-balanced meal plan, not their own food group!