In today's world, many people have different views on vitamins and other natural supplements. The companies that sell these supplements promise you various health benefits – like staying young, improving memory, being stronger when you work out, losing weight, or feeling more energetic. There are many products in stores – from single vitamins like vitamine B12 – to combinations of vitamins and minerals.
On the other hand, other people may tell you that supplements are just ‘expensive urine’. That is, a waste of money, with zero benefits.
Who is right and who is wrong?
You need to educate yourself and find out whether these vitamins and minerals can truly boost your health.
On the other hand, other people may tell you that supplements are just ‘expensive urine’. That is, a waste of money, with zero benefits.
Who is right and who is wrong?
You need to educate yourself and find out whether these vitamins and minerals can truly boost your health.
A Few Things To Consider
First, keep in mind that vitamins and minerals are food supplements – like little helpers that your body needs to stay healthy. They are not meant to replace the nutrients you get from eating a balanced diet.
If you are age 50 or younger and healthy, the food you eat gives you most of the vitamins and minerals you need. When it comes to vitamin D, things get a bit tricky because you get this vitamin mainly from sunlight or supplements. Foods contain small amounts of vitamin D unless they are fortified with this nutrient.
If you are over 50 or have a long-term illness like diabetes, taking a vitamine complex (B complex) with a multimineral vitamin can be helpful.
During pregnancy, mothers need to take special vitamins every day. These vitamins, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium are necessary for mothers to stay healthy and also important for the baby’s growth.
Even if you eat healthy, nutritious foods, but you have a long-term illness like diabetes, the body may not be able to use all the nutrients. This is because many chronic illnesses hinder vitamin absorption from foods. Talk to a doctor about taking a supplement with extra vitamins and minerals if you have a chronic condition.
Lots of people think one vitamin is better than another, or that vitamins are more important than minerals.
The question is not about which vitamin or mineral is more important for health than another. It is about figuring out which vitamins for health or minerals you need based on your own body's unique needs.
Are vitamin and mineral supplements good for you?
When taken as recommended by a doctor, vitamin and mineral supplements are usually safe, and a good addition to a healthy diet. But if you take too much – especially vitamins like A, D, E, and K, they can make you sick.
Be careful and read the labels. Many nutrients vary greatly in their dosage. For example, vitamin B12, which helps your nerve and blood cells be healthy, is found in doses ranging from 50 mcg to 10,000 mcg. Let the doctor run a blood test and tell you the dose that you need based on the results of the blood tests that assess B12 levels. And remember, more does not mean better. A higher dosage of vitamins does not necessarily mean more benefits.
Follow the dosage instructions to avoid getting sick from taking these supplements. Vitamins and minerals are sometimes mixed with herbs and other ingredients in food supplements. These additional substances may not work well with some prescription medications.
Before starting to take new vitamins and supplements, think about these things to make sure these supplements work well for you :
- 1) Eat a Healthy Diet: Make sure the foods you eat have all the nutrients you need. Some apps keep track of the nutrients and alert you if you are not getting enough
- 2) Know Your Needs: Think about your age, how you live, and if you have any long-term illnesses. In some cases, vitamin supplements could be beneficial. Remember that chronic illnesses can decrease vitamin absorption.
- 3) Follow the Dose: Check the labels. Learn how much of each vitamin or mineral you should take. This way you can avoid taking too much.
- 4) Talk to A Doctor: Ask a doctor or a nutritionist before starting to take any new supplements. They can tell you which is the best for you and your health.
Looking to supplement with vitamins to boost your health? Give us a call today to learn how our tests and services can help you identify the supplements that may be beneficial for you.
FAQ
- Is it OK to not take vitamins every day? It's okay to not take vitamins every day if you are healthy and eat a balanced diet. But if you are pregnant or have a long-term illness, it is best to take your vitamins every day.
- What is the one supplement everyone should take? Think about vitamin D first. Diets don’t give enough vitamin D, as you get this vitamin from sunlight or supplements. It’s a good idea to check the blood vitamin D levels first and take supplements as needed.
- What are the 2 symptoms of vitamin A deficiency? Having issues seeing at night (or night blindness) and changes in the skin (like dry, rough skin) are two signs of not getting enough vitamin A