Vitamin Pills and Supplements Not Helping Most People

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Many people are willing to pop vitamin pills and supplements since they expect them to provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function correctly. In fact, an article published in the journal JAMA noted that 52% of Americans reported that they take in at least one (1) dietary supplement a day.

While there are so many dietary supplements sold in the market these days, is taking supplements effective? Dr. JoAnn E. Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, seems to think otherwise.

The popularity of supplements is part of the marketing ploy for many companies. Many detractors of vitamin pills and supplements believe that the best way to get the necessary micronutrients into the body is by eating the right kinds of food. A healthy diet is the best way for the body to absorb and get a wide array of nutrients into the body. Below are the few key things that you need to know when it comes to the consumption of synthetic vitamins and supplements.

Don’t Pop Pills, Eat Healthy!

A well-balanced diet is a great way to get essential micronutrients from food. Make sure that your diet is comprised of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, seafood, nuts, and seeds. Not only will you get micronutrients but also fiber, antioxidants, and many other benefits. Make sure that you avoid foods that are highly processed as they are stripped of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

You Can Overdose on Supplements

Many people believe that taking high doses of supplements such as folic acid, beta-carotene, and Vitamin E is beneficial to the body. However, clinical trials have noted that overdosing on supplements can have harmful side effects such as a stroke. Our bodies are not entirely sure what to do with a synthetic form of a nutrient and can sometimes react to high dosage.

Supplements Do Not Boost Immunity

If you believe that taking supplements can boost your immune system, then think again. So, if you have been popping Vitamin C supplements to ward off the flu, realize your magic supplement will not reduce the risk of developing flu or cold. However, there are some pieces of evidence that Vitamin C can shorten the symptoms of flu but only when taken in as food instead of supplements.

The Importance of Vitamin D

There is a lot of buzz going on about Vitamin D supplements and how it is vital to driving other processes in the body. While, studies have indicated that Vitamin D can reduce the risk for developing cancer, stroke, and heart disease, the consumption of pill supplements is not necessary as you can get 600-800 IU of Vitamin D daily by sunbathing early in the morning. Other natural sources include mushrooms and milk.

Take Supplements If Directly Recommended by a Doctor

While taking vitamins is not recommended for the general population especially those who are usually of good health, those who are in particular life stages or at high risk of developing diseases should consume supplements only if they are required by their physicians. For instance, people who suffer from osteoporosis can benefit from taking 1,000 IUs of Vitamin D but not too much as it can be linked to kidney stones especially if you are taking in calcium.

The conclusion here is to be careful about what supplements you are putting into your body. The best way to get the essential micronutrients you need is to consume them in whole foods. NutriFusion has figured out a way to help supplements companies create better products with whole food vitamins. Our powders concentrate the natural vitamins from fruits and vegetables into a blend that can be easily added to any product. Interested in learning more? Vist our supplements page.

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