Why do we need Minerals
Do
We Need Vitamins, Minerals, Multivitamins, Nutritional Supplements?
from
Robert Anthony
A Reader-Submitted Article
Are the Supplements Helpful?
The answer is yes. There are a variety of reasons. First,
because nearly nobody eats enough of the RDA (Recommended
Dietary Allowance) of vitamins and minerals, or even the
number of foods from the food groups. Second, our soil has
been depleted through the years and food simply isn't as
nutritious as it used to be. Third, exercise and stress
deplete the body of certain nutrients.
When you May Need the Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
You may need them if you are falling short of your nutrient
intake. This usually happens:
* If your hectic lifestyle frequently keeps you from eating
the recommended number of servings of food, fruits or vegetables.
* If you are on a very low-calorie weight loss diet.
* If you are elderly and not eating as much as you should.
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* If you are a strict vegetarian.
* If you can't drink milk or eat cheese and yogurt.
* If you are a woman of child-bearing age who doesn't get
enough folate from fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains.
Preparation
of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
The supplements are prepared in several ways:
1. NATURAL VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS: These are derived from food
sources and usually contain a natural mix of vitamins and
other derivatives from the original source. Common sources
are yeast, liver, maize (corn), soy, rosehips and alfalfa.
Any allergic reaction may be due to the extra ingredients
rather than the vitamin itself. In general the doses are
not very high.
2. SYNTHETIC VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS: These are made in laboratory
and contain the exact chemical formula of the vitamin. Doses
are usually higher than the natural supplements, and some
preparations contain vitamins from both sources.
3. CHELATED MINERALS: These have been specially prepared
by the manufacturers to facilitate the absorption of the
mineral in the body.
Various
Forms in which Vitamins and Minerals can be Presented
1. TABLETS have a long shell life. They contain additives
known as fillers, packers and stabilizers that can cause
allergic reactions.
2. CAPSULES are used for fat-soluble vitamins and powdered
formulations. They are usually made of animal gelatine.
When buying oil or oil capsules, it is important to check
that the oil has been 'cold pressed' during preparation
to avoid adverse chemical changes.
3. POWDERED PREPARATIONS are the most rapidly absorbed formulations,
but are often the least palatable. They are usually free
of additives.
4. LIQUIDS can contain coloring agents and sweeteners (as
can children's chewable formulations).
What
about Multivitamins?
Multivitamin supplements contain several vitamins or minerals
instead of only one vitamin or mineral. Some vitamins or
minerals are more beneficial when they are taken in the
company of some other vitamins or minerals. For example:
* Vitamins C and E are more effective when taken together.
* Taking selenium increases the heart-healthy effects of
vitamin E.
* Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid are most beneficial
when taken together.
* Calcium and magnesium work better when taken together.
Some
Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Taking Supplements
1. Although supplements may be helpful, it is important
to remember that no supplement will replace the value of
a healthy diet. Most major medical establishments recommend
that healthy adults get their vitamins and minerals from
food rather than relying solely on supplements. Food is
rich in phytochemicals and other helpful substances that
are not present in supplements.
2. Before supplementing the diet with any vitamins or minerals,
people are encouraged to speak with their physician. Some
people should not take certain supplements if they have
been diagnosed with other conditions. For example, people
with kidney problems are often advised against taking magnesium.
3. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dose without
professional advice. Health risks can arise when there is
too much of any given vitamin or mineral in the body.
Robert Anthony is the owner of VitaminLink, a web based
resource for vitamins and nutritional supplements featuring
the Vitabase product line.
Angstrom Minerals Product And Price List
The information on this page has been extracted from http://nutrition.about.com/od/guestarticles/a/doweneedvits.htm
