We all know how vitamins and minerals are really essential in making sure that we are healthy and strong. But lately, we are faced with a big question that has raised health concerns—do we really vitamin and minerals supplements?
Although we can get vitamins and minerals from our diet, supplements have been made in order for those of us who cannot attain the adequate amounts needed from our diet. They come in various brands, different packaging each with a label of its own. Taking in vitamins and mineral supplements are really beneficial to our health but it also has its own cons to it. For starters, we should only take vitamin and mineral supplements that we our bodies need, when we get too much of a certain vitamin, it can be harmful to our health too.
What are Vitamin Supplements?
Vitamin supplements are vitamins being sold in the market that has a detailed health claim more than their physiologic purpose. Vitamins are micronutrients that our body needs in small amounts for a specific function in our body. Ever since vitamin supplements were discovered, there have been great pursuits to finding out if they can be used to not only help in fulfilling vitamin deficiencies but to also cure certain ailments. But for the purpose of marketing the product, there are ads that tend to exaggerate the description of their vitamins getting people to think that these vitamins are actually not just supplements but can also cure ailments which are clearly not the case.
We all need vitamins in order for growth and health maintenance. These supplements can be readily bought in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K as well as water-soluble vitamins B and C. When we say fat-soluble vitamins, they are vitamins that store in fat and stay there until our bodies need them. This explains why having too much of fat-soluble vitamins can cause problems in our health. Water-soluble vitamins on the other hand is not stored by our body but becomes dissolved once they are ingested and they quickly move into the bloodstreams and if there is too much of these vitamins they are excreted during urination.
Purpose of Vitamin Supplements
Our body needs different kinds of vitamins to get the full benefits of having good health. These vitamins are vitamin A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins. Thiamine, riboflavin, biotin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, folate, niacin and vitamin B12 are included under the list of the B vitamins. Because these vitamins are found in different kinds of foods, health experts recommend we include a variety of foods in our diet in order to get all the vitamins we need because vitamins each have a purpose of their own. Your physician will prescribe a vitamin that you lack in your body.
What are Minerals?
Minerals are nutrients that are inorganic and are very important in order for cells, tissues and organs to function properly. They are needed by the body for the development of the bones and muscles. Mineral supplements are made of simple elements and ions that can either be in pill form or powder form. These mineral supplements may be added to food or drinks or swallowed whole to compensate for mineral deficiency if a person has one. Our body needs the following minerals for function and they are selenium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
Purpose of Mineral Supplements
A study was done by the University of California Health System saying that if we take too much minerals in our body, mineral metabolism disorder may happen because of very high amounts of toxins in the blood. On the other hand, if we have too few minerals, we will suffer from mineral deficiency. Mineral deficiency is something that can be hereditary but other factors that can cause it are diarrhea, alcoholism and starvation. Most of the time, elderly people who are not able to eat enough may need mineral supplements to correct the mineral deficiencies that they have.
More than half the population in US has taken a vitamin or mineral supplement. They have become a common commodity amongst households, although they can help us, still, if it is not taken with a doctor’s prescription they may not be really needed. But this of course depends on the current health condition that you have which is why it is recommended that you discuss with your doctor if you really need it or not.
Vitamins Supplements and Whole Foods: Which is Better?
It is highly recommended that we get the vitamins that we need from eating whole foods rather than taking in vitamin or mineral supplements. Whole foods have nutrient combinations that supplements are unable to give. This is the reason why many health organizations from all over the world suggest that we have a variety of foods in our table when we eat that come from various food groups because each of them have minerals and vitamins to offer. Fruits, vegetables, meats, grains and dairy each have nutrients to offer but the key here is to eat in moderation in order to avoid health problems. The advantage of eating whole foods is being able to get the fiber and antioxidants that are also beneficial to our body and these are what we will miss when we choose to go for vitamin supplements.
Who Needs Vitamin Supplements?
When we stay on a healthy diet that is made of vegetables, fruits and low fat proteins, we will most likely get all the vitamins that we need but there are also groups of people who may get an advantage from taking in vitamins supplements. These ‘special groups’ who will need vitamin supplements are pregnant or lactating women, vegetarians and vegans, people who are on a low calorie diet (calories lower than 1,600), elderly or aging people, people who have medical problems that involve digestion and people who are not able to eat properly.
More Benefits
Taking in vitamins and minerals can also help in preventing diseases. They are beneficial to certain cases. An example is the vitamin D which can help prevent the prevalence of osteoporosis or vitamin C which can help boost the immune system and folic acid which most pregnant women take in order to avoid birth defects.
Precaution on Mineral and Vitamin Supplements
It is recommended that before you start taking in vitamin and mineral supplements, you should first talk to your doctor about this. Most of the vitamins and minerals that are sold in supermarkets do not have problems if we take them but when taken in very high doses that is when the problem comes in.
Let us always remember that vitamin and mineral supplements are supplements. They are not meant to replace meals nor do manufacturers assure that they are used to cure or treat diseases. So if you think that you are deficient of a vitamin or mineral, it would be best to consult your doctor to get the proper diagnosis and know what you really need.
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