Turn to your plate for vitamins and minerals
Health is a multibillion dollar industry. People who may be short on time may look to the most efficient routes for maintaining health and wellness.
For some, that could mean turning to supplements to ensure they are consuming the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals. But is supplementation the best way to fuel the body?
According to MyProtein. com, a supplement and nutrition company, the average American spends close to $56 per month on supplements, which include protein powders, vitamins and more. Those expenditures are in addition to their other health spending, which may include gym memberships and meal plans. However, leading health experts point healthy individuals in the direction of getting their vitamins and minerals from eating nutrient-rich foods instead of taking supplements. According to VNS Health, a New York-based home and community health care organization, people in good health are better off getting the majority of their daily nutrients from food.
Harvard Health seconds that advice, saying vitamin and mineral supplements cannot match all of the biologically active compounds available through a varied diet. There are 13 vitamins in total, and eight belong to the B group. Together with minerals, these nutrients are essential for bodily functions like wound healing, regulating hormones and fighting infection. Nutrients that are consumed through foods are often easier for the body to absorb. Furthermore, it is much less likely one will experience toxicity from getting too many vitamins and minerals through diet alone, whereas it can be easy to go over the recommended daily values when using supplements.
Although vitamins and minerals consumed via a balanced diet are generally the best bet, there are some instances when supplementation may be necessary. A health care provider can guide people
as to when supplementation might be necessary. Individuals with Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease or irritable bowl syndrome should know that each condition can make absorbing nutrients challenging. Those with osteoporosis or age-related macular degeneration also may find supplementation or eating fortified foods can be advantageous.
Individuals should keep in mind that many supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other countries’ government regulators. Such products may contain hidden ingredients or vitamins and minerals in levels not deemed safe. Also, some supplements can interact with medications. Again, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider before supplementation to find out if it is necessary.