Are vitamins and nutritional supplements really necessary?
According to the FDA, “[v] ITAMINS are essential nutrients contribute to a healthier life “and in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many people consume more calories than they need without recommended amounts of a number of nutrients. This suggests that we must evaluate our eating habits and to consider nutritional supplements to achieve recommended levels of nutrient intake.
Numerous reports indicate that the average American diet contains too much saturated fat, processed sugars and has no the full complement of 13 vitamins that are essential for body functions. We eat too much “bad” things and things is not enough “good”. Besides this, doctors may also recommend nutritional supplements for certain health problems, if you eat a vegetarian or vegan, or are pregnant or are breastfeeding (American Academy of Family Physicians – AAFP). The 13 essential vitamins are A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folic acid).
Are there risks associated with taking vitamins and supplements food?
The quality of nutritional supplements manufactured under FDA “Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) are believed to are safe, however, the overuse or misuse can have side effects or do not produce the desired results. The body handles the vitamins differently depending on whether are water soluble or fat soluble.
Water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C and vitamin B) are readily absorbed by the body and not stored in large quantities. Excessive amounts above what is needed are removed by the kidneys into the urine. Taking too much of these vitamins in general, result in a waste money, but also may cause side effects such as:
- Vitamin B-3 (niacin): flushing, skin redness and discomfort stomach.
- Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine): Nerve damage in the extremities, which can cause numbness, difficulty walking, and pain.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acid: upset stomach, kidney stones and increased iron absorption.
- Acid acid (folate): The masking of vitamin B-12, especially in older adults, a condition that can cause nerve damage.
Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) are absorbed into the body and stored for use as needed. One must be especially careful not to over-doing with these vitamins. Some of the side effects that can accompany the excessive intake of these vitamins are:
- Vitamin A – Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, clumsiness, birth defects, liver problems and the possible risk of osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D: Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, weight loss, confusion, heart rhythm problems, deposits of calcium and phosphate in soft tissues.
- If you take blood thinners, you should talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E or vitamin K pills by the AAFP.
There are, of Of course, nutritional supplements other than the key 13 has been described above. These include herbs, amino acids, digestive enzymes, probiotics and different minerals each of which is believed to provide certain benefits to aide the body in different functions.
How could I take vitamins and dietary supplements?
There are numerous scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting specific benefits for each vitamin and nutritional supplement available, however, every person has unique needs so that a provider of health care should always be consulted before taking any medicine, vitamin or other nutritional supplement in order to determine what may be necessary and also to discuss any possible adverse interactions with other medications.
Nutritional supplements are called “supplements” for good reason. They are not intended to replace good eating habits. It is assumed, however, to complement healthy eating in order to compensate for the particular nutrients that may be lacking or to address specific issues. An effective program nutritional supplements, along with a healthy diet, it is widely believed that helps the body in a number of different ways, but vitamins and other nutritional supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease or illness. Be wary of ads that suggest otherwise, and always consult your physician providers to ensure their plan Nutrition has the right balance of healthy foods, vitamins, nutritional supplements and / or any medication you might need.
According Vasilios Franko, Ph.D., Director of FDA’s Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, “Vitamins are not dangerous unless you get too much of them.” By Therefore, consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups while limiting the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt and alcohol. Meet recommended nutrient intakes by adopting proper eating habits and nutritional supplement use as deemed appropriate by your health care provider based on levels of nutrients in your body, your age, if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, have dark skin, do not get enough sun exposure or meet other criteria that require supplements. Following these guidelines and the advice of your health care provider should take vitamins and nutritional supplements are safe and effective for a healthier life.
For additional information about the upper limits recommended intake (ULS), visit the National Academy of Sciences site http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6432 # Toc.
Clark Bailey, Owner Baileys Health Store – Health, Wellness & Nutrition Supplements and Information. Read my blog at Baileys Health Store Blog.
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