Vitamins and minerals are vital to our healthy well-being. There’s no denying about it!
And for developed countries, locals are eating a balanced diet. Still, many people in other countries still cannot get their daily dose of nutrients.
With this, health experts suggest taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
But should they take these supplements? We are sharing this video by registered dietitian Daphna Steinberg.
She says that for most adults under 50, a balanced diet is the best place to start, rather than the vitamin aisle.
Watch the video below and discover the right nutrients you supposed to take on a daily.
Vitamins and minerals: Do You Actually Need Them?
Millions of people in North America are regular vitamin users. The question is what do you actually need?
If you’re deficient in something, your doctor is gonna let you know that.
Because hopefully they’re monitoring for that and they know what your risks are for.
Most adults under 50 Steinberg says a balanced diet and not the vitamin aisle is the best place to start.
Benefits of vitamins and minerals
Most vitamins and minerals are most easily absorbed through food.
Getting your vitamins and minerals this way will also offer added benefits like fiber.
So, when do you need to take a supplement once you get to be over 50?
Then a standard multivitamin and mineral supplement is recommended.
That’s because you do have a little bit more difficulty absorbing some of the things from food at younger ages.
Steinberg says that standard multivitamins can play a role if you have gaps in your diet.
But more definitely doesn’t equal better if you’re not deficient in something.
Don’t Take In Excess
Then, there’s really no reason to be taking excess amounts of things. It’s because this can be a dangerous mix-up.
For example, too much Vitamin C can cause kidney stones and too much vitamin E has been linked to all-cause mortality.
Certain vitamins and minerals can also interfere with some medications.
So, make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of everything you’re taking.
Vitamin-fortified waters
But what about vitamin-fortified waters?
Steinberg says she doesn’t recommend them. There’s sugar in it so it can cause weight gain.
It can increase your blood sugar if you have diabetes. You can potentially exceed your vitamin requirements from drinking these things.
These can have potential side effects. There are Dietary Reference Intakes for all vitamins and minerals for all stages ages and genders.
But rather than guess what’s best for you, talk to your doctor pharmacist or registered dietitian to know for sure.
video credit Sunnybrook Hospital
