Do We Really Need Dietary Supplements?
Since the early days of humanity, we’ve always been great at acquiring most nutrients and vitamins we need from our food. But as time went by and our society evolved, our body’s needs have also changed quite a bit. What was a much simpler diet millennia ago has transformed into a very complex die. But also, one that can lack access to certain nutrients and compounds.
Who needs supplements?
Depending on your diet, you may/may not need any supplements. If you have a balanced diet, you’re more likely getting all the nutrients you need. However, age can also play a significant role here. For example, older people might have an issue getting Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and even calcium.
Also, if you need to avoid certain foods, you may need supplements to counteract the lack of specific nutrients. Vegans can lack vitamin B12 because that’s a vitamin you find primarily in animal products. It’s one of the many examples when you can’t eat certain types of food, so you must rely on supplements to help cover those challenges.
Supplements are also a necessity for pregnant women. In their case, more folic acid becomes a necessity since it can prevent neural tube defects during birth. And then we have infants that need vitamin D, more than the amount they receive from breast milk.
The same thing is suitable regarding persons with chronic health conditions. They will require specific minerals and vitamins that boost their immunity. Those might not be a part of their diet, and it’s undoubtedly a thing to keep in mind.
Should you worry about taking supplements?
While it might not seem an issue initially, taking too many supplements can become problematic. Having an upper intake level can be an issue. That’s because your body won’t be able to use all the nutrients you ingest, which is very challenging. And since most manufacturers are not forced to stick to the upper limits, they will sometimes add too many nutrients. That’s why getting too many supplements can be a considerable issue and certainly a concern.
Is it necessary to talk with a doctor?
The short answer is yes, talking with a doctor can help immensely. It will undoubtedly provide you with an excellent way to know what supplements you need. General supplements are ok if the nutrient value is not excessively high. However, a doctor will recommend only specific supplements according to your deficiencies.
You should always talk with a medical professional before taking any supplements. The truth is that taking too many of them can lead to bad results and health issues in the long run. Generally, effervescent tablets might have too much salt. You can avoid them if you need to lower your salt intake. Then there are supplements with specific nutrients that can help you improve sleep quality, vision, or heart health. Talk with a doctor, and you will see that taking supplements can be helpful if you do it properly.