Taking dietary supplements can be beneficial for some people, but it's important to understand the risks and benefits before taking them. According to Dr. JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and professor of, supplements are never a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet. Most people don't need to take vitamin supplements and can get all the vitamins and minerals they need if they eat a healthy, balanced diet.
However, supplements can be used to get the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy body. When considering taking a supplement, it's important to understand that because supplements are regulated as foods, not as drugs, the FDA does not evaluate the quality of supplements or evaluate their effects on the body. In fact, some weight-loss supplements are contaminated with traces of prescription weight-loss drugs. It's also important to note that taking high amounts of vitamin B6 for a year or more has been associated with nerve damage that can affect body movements. Half of American adults, including 70 percent of those over 65, take a multivitamin or other vitamin or mineral supplement on a regular basis. To determine what dietary supplement you need, take a look at the vitamins and nutrients your diet is missing.
The MyDS app provides the latest information on supplements and allows you to keep track of the vitamins, minerals, herbs and other products you take. Your doctor and pharmacist can also tell you if a supplement would interact adversely with any medications you're taking, which could cause health problems. If you don't always follow a complete diet rich in the vitamins and nutrients your body needs, a dietary supplement might be a good option for you. However, it's important to note that the effects of many supplements have not been evaluated in children, pregnant women and other groups. Children ages 6 months to 5 years should take vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C, and D every day. In conclusion, taking dietary supplements can be beneficial for some people but it's important to understand the risks and benefits before taking them.
It's best to get your vitamins and minerals from a well-balanced diet but if you decide to supplement your diet with a daily vitamin, there are plenty of great options you can consider.
