are dietary supplements really needed?
In an ideal world, no one would need dietary supplements. Our balanced diets would provide all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients our bodies need. Alas, the world of American eating is far from ideal. And that, some nutrition experts and supplement advocates argue, is why we need dietary supplements. The latest federal data show that more than half of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, mostly multivitamins. 1 Don’t take antioxidant vitamin supplements such as A, C and E. 2  Scientific evidence does not suggest these can eliminate the need to reduce blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol or stop smoking. If you're lacking in a particular nutrient, ask your doctor whether you need to look beyond your diet to make up for what you're missing—but don't take more than the recommended daily intake for that nutrient unless your health care provider advises it. Share this page: Don’t do this: 1  Don’t take antioxidant vitamin supplements such as A, C and E. 2  Scientific evidence does not suggest these can eliminate the need to reduce blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol or stop smoking. 3  Do not rely only on supplements. The average American diet leaves a lot to be desired. Research finds our plates lacking in a number of essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and D. It's no wonder that more than half of us open a supplement bottle to get the nutrition we need. But before you start buying everything from Vitamin A to Zinc, remember there’s only one way to be sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs: Eat healthy foods. Supplements can be beneficial, but the key to vitamin and mineral success is eating a balanced diet. Most Americans also eat too much sodium and consume too little water. If that sounds like your diet, your doctor may recommend you take a multivitamin, but that’s between you two. Women who menstruate lose iron through that process, and may need a supplement if that iron is not replaced through diet. Many of us take supplements not just to make up for what we're missing, but also because we hope to give ourselves an extra health boost—a preventive buffer to ward off disease. Getting our nutrients straight from a pill sounds easy, but supplements don't necessarily deliver on the promise of better health. While diet is the key to getting the best vitamins and minerals, supplements can help. For instance, if you’re doing your best to eat healthy foods but still are deficient in some areas, supplements can help. The key is to ensure they’re taken in addition to healthy diet choices and nutrient-dense foods. Who Doesn’t Need Supplements. Strictly speaking, most of us don’t need supplements at all. In a perfect world, you would get all your nutrients from your diet. For many adults, it’s possible to receive proper nutrition through diet, but most of us don’t.
No