Vitamins & Supplements
Holistic Living
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Why take vitamins?
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The primary reason for taking vitamin supplements is to address or prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Dietary Restrictions: People who follow restrictive diets, such as vegans or vegetarians, may need to take specific vitamin supplements (e.g., vitamin B12, vitamin D) to ensure they get essential nutrients.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women often require additional vitamins and minerals, like folic acid and iron, to support fetal growth and their own health.
- Age-related Changes: As people age, their ability to absorb certain vitamins from food may decline. Supplements can help older individuals maintain their nutritional status.
- Specific Health Goals: Some people take vitamin supplements to achieve specific health goals. Athletes, for instance, may take supplements like vitamin C or zinc to support their immune systems during intense training.
- Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Some vitamins, like vitamin C and vitamin E, are antioxidants and are believed to help protect cells from damage by free radicals. This has led to the belief that they may play a role in preventing chronic diseases.
Check out our advice on taking vitamins and mineral supplements and access useful resources from the FDA.
Who needs mineral supplements?
Minerals are typically recommended for individuals who have specific nutritional needs or who are at risk of mineral deficiencies including:
- People with Deficiencies: Individuals who have been diagnosed with a mineral deficiency through blood tests or clinical evaluation may be advised to take mineral supplements. Common deficiencies include iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
- Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women often require additional minerals, such as iron and calcium, to support the growth of the fetus or infant and to maintain their own health.
- Vegetarians and Vegans: Individuals who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets may need supplements of minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12, as these nutrients are less abundant in plant-based diets.
- Elderly Individuals: As people age, their ability to absorb certain minerals from food may decrease. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are often recommended for older adults to support bone health.
- People with Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can lead to mineral deficiencies or increased mineral requirements. For example, individuals with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may have impaired nutrient absorption and may need mineral supplements.
- Athletes and Active Individuals: People who engage in intense physical activity, such as athletes, may have increased mineral requirements due to factors like sweat loss. Supplements like electrolyte tablets can help replace minerals lost during exercise.
Taking mineral supplements should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. Excessive intake of certain minerals can have adverse health effects, and the dosage and type of supplement should be tailored to an individual’s specific needs and circumstances.