Which vitamins should you take?
More than half of Americans report taking dietary supplements or multivitamins. Several recent studies have raised new questions about vitamins, and new information has added to the confusion surrounding which vitamins are best to take. Some recent news headlines have claimed that vitamin D helps fight tuberculosis, calcium may not improve outcomes for pregnant women, and vitamin E does not prevent cancer, but may slightly elevate the risk of prostate cancer. This confusing information has led many people to question which nutritional supplements they should start, continue, or stop using.
The varying information resulting from recent research serves to remind us that vitamins are complex. Many supplements can be beneficial, but others need more research to understand their full impact. However, there are some guidelines that can help you decide which supplements you should be taking.
Guidelines For Selecting Vitamins
Not all supplements are of equal quality. There are low-grade, low-priced supplements that are not as soluble, making it more difficult for the body to absorb the nutrients. If you're taking vitamins, make sure they are high quality so that you can reap the full benefits they offer.
Among doctors, there is a consensus that eating healthy food is the best way to receive vitamins. However, many people eat a diet of primarily processed foods, which often lack the same nutritional benefits. Taking a vitamin may seem like an easy solution, but in fact the ways that nutrients interact within food can't always be replicated in pill form. While taking dietary supplements is a good way to enhance an already healthy diet or make up for a specific vitamin deficiency, it should not be seen as an alternative to eating healthy foods packed with vitamins and minerals.
Every person's vitamin needs are unique. What supplements are right for you depend on many factors, including age, diet, sex, and current nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor can help you determine which supplements you should consider taking. Many chiropractors are also trained nutritionists who can advise you in selecting the right vitamins for your needs.
