Food is the best way to get all the nutrients you need. But if you think your diet might miss the mark, supplements could help.
Not sure if you’re on track or running low on any vitamins or minerals?
Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you find out. In some cases, they may give you a blood test, to check on things like your vitamin D level. But they will probably just need to hear about your typical eating habits. To help out, jot down what you eat and drink for a couple of days.
Find Out What You Need
Your nutritional needs depend on:
- Your age
- The types of foods you eat
- Any medical conditions you have
- What health problems you’re likely to get
For instance, if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend calcium and vitamin D. Or if you are a woman who might get pregnant, it’s important for you to take folic acid, which helps prevent certain types of birth defects. Or if you are working on better heart health, your plan might include omega-3s.
This guide covers all you need to know about what supplements are and how to choose a safe and high quality product.
There is a whole wide variety of vitamins and multivitamins supplements to choose from. And they are all created for different purposes. At different stages of your life, you would need different vitamins and minerals to support your body and day-to-day functions. It is important that you pick the right vitamins for your age so you can get the maximum benefits. For instance, there are vitamins for adults that take care of the body that is getting weaker by the day. And at the same time, there are also vitamin gummies for kids that help them grow faster and stronger. The age of the person is an important factor when it comes to choosing the right vitamin supplements.
Dietary supplements are products that people use to add nutrients or other compounds to their bodies.
From individual vitamins and minerals to blends of nutrients and herbs, there are numerous supplement products on the market that claim to provide specific health benefits.
However, due to limited regulation, it’s not always clear which supplements are high quality, nor which are a waste of your money or even potentially dangerous.
Nutrients in foods vs. vitamin and mineral supplements
Eating a variety of foods is the best way to ensure that you’re meeting your vitamin and mineral needs.
After all, different foods contain varying amounts and combinations of nutrients. For example, citrus fruits are known for being high in vitamin C, while leafy greens are an excellent source of vitamin K.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, foods contain other essential nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, and fiber — all of which are needed for overall health and optimal bodily functioning.
Furthermore, plant-based foods, in particular, are rich in antioxidants and phyto-chemicals, two classes of compounds that are linked to benefits reduced inflammation and protection against chronic disease
In contrast, supplements do not offer the same nutritional benefits. As they’re meant to supplement — not replace — a healthy diet, they generally provide only concentrated amounts of specific nutrients.
One observational study in 30,899 adults in the United States found that adequate intake of certain nutrients through food sources was associated with a reduced risk of death from heart disease, as well as death from any cause.
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