Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies use, in
very small amounts, for a variety of metabolic processes. Taking vitamins 'just in case' is not a habit that anyone
should get into and it is always recommended that vitamins
are taken through wholesome and quality food.
There are many different reasons and types of people that
may want or need to take supplements, some of these may
include, some vegetarians, people who drink large amounts
of alcohol, drug users, athletic people, pregnant and lactating
women and elderly people.
Are you using Vitamins and Minerals like medicine
pills?
There seems to be a trend occurring where it is believed
that taking massive or “mega-doses” of various
vitamins will work like medicine to cure certain conditions.
For example, vitamin C has been thought of as a cure for
the common cold for generations and in fact you were probably
even told this by your mother at some stage. Despite extensive
research on this it has yet to be proven.
Vitamins from food are best
Research indicates that most of the vitamins you get from
the food you eat are better than those contained in pills.
Even though the vitamins in supplements are synthesized
to the exact chemical composition of naturally occurring
vitamins, they still don't seem to work as well. For this
reason when selecting a vitamin supplement it is important
that a natural vitamin supplement is selected
Research has shown that a food component that has a particular
effect on the body when present in food may not have the
same effect when it is isolated and taken as a supplement.
This could be because the vitamins and minerals in foods
are also influenced by other components of the food, not
just the 'active ingredient'.
Food is a complex source of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals,
which all work together. Supplements tend to work in isolation.
Phytochemicals (plant chemicals) are an important component
of food. They are thought to reduce the incidence of cancer
and heart disease. Supplements do not provide the benefits
of phytochemicals and other components found in food. Taking
vitamin supplements is no substitute for a varied diet
A short term measure
Taking vitamin supplements should be viewed as a short
term measure. The long term use of supplements can lead
to symptoms of overdosing or poisoning. If you feel that
you could be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals, it
may be better to look at changing your diet and lifestyle
rather than reaching for supplements.
This being said if you are a highly active person you may
need to constantly supplement your vitamin intake as you
will be using your sources much quicker then the average
person. You should always consult you doctor if you are
thinking of starting a vitamin supplement routine
Specific medical conditions that can benefit from
vitamin supplementation
There are specific medical conditions that are known to
benefit from certain vitamin supplementation. In this case
it is recommended that you consult your doctor first and
then if you are searching for a vitamin supplement ensure
that you are using a natural well formulated supplement.
Recent scientific studies have outlined some specific areas
that can benefit largely from vitamin supplementation. These
are:
• If all women of childbearing age used multi vitamins
with folic acid, it should be possible to reduce the current
incidence of neural tube birth defects like spina bifida
by as much as 70%.
• The routine use of multi vitamins and mineral
supplements by the elderly could improve immune function
and thus reduce infectious disease, potentially cutting
in half the total number of days they are sick.
• Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D could
reduce the rate of hip fracture among older people by
at least 20%-meaning 40,000 to 50,000 fewer hip fractures
each year in the United States-for an average annual savings
of $1.5 to $2 billion.
• The potential cost savings of a prevention-oriented
approach to health and diet are tremendous. A 1997 analysis
predicted that if the occurrence of cardiovascular disease,
stroke and hip fracture were delayed five years, total
U.S. health care cost savings could equal $89 billion
annually.
• While the addition of a multi vitamin would benefit
most people, different additional supplements should be
chosen based on the specific life stage, gender or lifestyle
of the individual. For example, though calcium is generally
important for all men and women, it is particularly critical
for children building bone mass and elderly people seeking
to preserve it.
Things to remember when taking supplements
• Vitamins are organic compounds used by the body
in small amounts for various metabolic processes.
• Vitamin supplements can't replace a healthy diet.
• Those who may need vitamin supplements include
pregnant and lactating women, people who consume alcohol
in amounts over those recommended as safe, drug users
and the elderly.
• When taking vitamins try to take a natural brand
that follows all of the FDA guidelines.
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