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vitamins-food-guide

Do you take vitamins and supplements? If you do, you are not alone. Millions of Americans take or have taken supplements and vitamins. And it’s no wonder why. These health aids provide a range of benefits. Whether you are taking supplements to add nutrients to your diet or calcium and vitamin D for bone health, there are a few things you should know. 

Who Needs Supplements and Vitamins

Most people don’t need to supplement their diets. It’s true. If you are a generally healthy person and consume a wide range of foods including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, legumes, fish, and lean meats, you likely do not need to supplement your diet. Why? All of these foods provide valuable nutrients. After all, The Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that nutritional needs should be met through your diet. But there are some exceptions. Women who are pregnant can benefit from prenatal vitamins. The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults over the age of 65 supplement their diets with vitamin D. And there are other cases where people should consider supplementing their diets, some of which include vegetarians or vegans who only consume a limited variety of foods, people who follow restrictive diets, those who don’t consume three servings of seafood per week, people with specific medical conditions, and those who have food allergies. Overall, an average healthy person likely does not need to take supplements or vitamins if their diet includes an array of nutrient-rich whole foods. 

Where to Find Trusted Supplements and Vitamins 

Just because certain vitamins and supplements are available in today’s marketplace does not mean they are safe and effective. When choosing supplements always look for products that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And, it’s smart to consult with your physician before making any decisions. Also look for brands that are transparent about where their products come from and how they are made. For example, Amway’s Nutrilite supplements are tested and retested by trained scientists to ensure that their products meet global safety standards. The brand also includes important information and visible expiration dates on each of their product containers to make sure consumers have all of the proper information at their fingertips. Plus, if you fall in love with Amway, you can earn extra money by selling their products. You can learn more by visiting the company’s YouTube channel where you’ll find video resources that can help you plan to make money with Amway as an Independent Business Owner. 

food-guide

When Vitamins and Supplements Can Cause Harm 

In many cases vitamins and supplements can provide benefits to those who take them. However, new research has shown that certain supplements and vitamins can actually pose a risk if taken incorrectly or in high doses. Research from The Iowa Women’s Health study and reported by the experts at The Mayo Clinic shows that there is at least seven supplements and minerals that may cause harm, including vitamin E, vitamin A, folic acid, large doses of vitamin B-6, vitamin B-3, large doses of iron, and trace minerals such as selenium, copper, chromium, and magnesium. When choosing whether or not to supplement your diet it is important to talk with your doctor to determine which vitamins and supplements are best for you and your health goals. 

Education, trust, and transparency are all important factors when it comes to choosing the right vitamins and supplements for your lifestyle. Chat with your doctor about what supplements may be right for you. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.