Are Vitamin Supplements Necessary?
It seems that everywhere you look today, magazine ads, television ads, and celebrities are all touting the benefits of vitamin supplements. There are even entire stores that sell only vitamins! While everyone wants to lead a healthy life, all this hype has probably left you wondering: are vitamin supplements necessary?
There are many vitamins and minerals that the body produces naturally. These compounds help maintain proper health and overall function. However, there are several other substances the body needs that are not naturally produced. Amino acids and some fatty acids are among some of these compounds not naturally produced by the body. Most of the foods we eat contain at least some of the vitamins and minerals we need to help supplement our bodies. Eating a wide variety of foods, from each category of the food pyramid, is recommended for the best possible results.
So exactly how many vitamins do we need, and how much should we take? This is where the National Research Council’s recommended daily allowances guidelines come into play. The council has designed these recommendations with a high margin of safety based upon scientific research conducted with generally healthy people. The studies conducted have proven that a varied diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, enriched or whole grain products, dairy, and lean protein typically provide all the necessary nutrients the body needs, and that extra supplements should not be needed.
The issue most people encounter is that the hectic nature of daily life prevents them from consuming a proper diet. Many people reduce caloric intake to lose weight, eat convenience foods on the go, or simply do not eat a varied diet. For this reason, many physicians recommend vitamin supplements to help make up for poor dietary choices. Pregnant women are also encouraged to take supplements, especially those containing folic acid. Other reasons vitamin supplements are recommended include, treatment of vitamin/mineral deficiencies (such as anemia), and genetic disorders that cause malabsorption syndromes.
Unfortunately, some people take far too many supplements, which can lead to serious complications. Extra amounts of water-soluble vitamins, such as B and C, are usually expelled from the body with the urine and pose little risk. Fat soluble vitamins, such as A and D, are stored in the body’s fat tissues and may cause toxicity in extremely high doses. A routine physical with blood work will allow your doctor to determine the right vitamin combination for your body. This will help ensure you get the vitamins you are missing but do not ingest excessive amount of vitamins you may not need.
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