What you need to know about
Supplements
What is a Supplement? Vitamins Minerals Herbs or other botanicals Amino acids Phytonutrients Other substances found in the
human diet, such as enzymes
Benefits Correct deficiencies Adds necessary nutrients into a poor or restricted diet Simple and easy Decreased absorption as you age Increased needs
Drawbacks Regulated as a food product Expensive Potentially ineffective Side effects Potentially dangerous
Common Supplements Multi-vitamin Omega-3 Fatty Acid Calcium Vitamin D Iron Vitamin C B Vitamins Meal replacements
Multivitamins More than 1/3 of Americans take multivitamins “Insurance” Not typically harmful
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Most people do not get enough Omega-3 from their diet
2 Servings of fatty fish per week Decreases risk of heart disease Lowers Triglyceride Reduces inflammation
Calcium Should be taken in cases of
deficiency and insufficient diet Three servings of low-fat dairy
a day Not just milk products
Vitamin D
You’re probably not getting enough Essential for calcium absorption Essential for proper immune function Essential for Bone health
Iron Iron deficiency Increased iron needs Decreased iron intake Blood loss
Vitamin C Supplementation is very
rarely necessary Aids in Immune function Used for wound healing Prevents scurvy Not proven to prevent colds Get it from your foods
B Vitamins Most diets are plentiful in the B vitamins. Most people do not need supplementation Certain drugs decrease absorption Pregnant women need extra folate The elderly are at risk
Less absorption of B12
Meal Replacements
Powdered and liquid products Should be used in conjunction
with whole food Necessary in certain diseases
where solid food is not tolerated well
Who really needs Supplements ?
Pregnant women Nursing mothers Strict vegetarians People with food allergies or intolerances Senior citizens Those with cancer, kidney disease, bone disease, and cardiovascular
disease
Be an Informed Consumer
Research Use reputable companies Watch for false claims Check expiration dates Consult your physician
Always try whole foods first! THERE IS NO BETTER SOURCE OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS THAN
THE FOODS THEY ORIGINATE FROM!!!!
