Vitamins and Nutrition

Increasingly we realize that we need vitamins to promote good health. The changes in environment have made it impossible to rely on our food to give us the nutritional needs. The term “dietary supplement” was established in 1994 to include any product taken by mouth that has a dietary ingredient to supplement the diet. It includes herbs, botanicals, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. They may include other items such as enzymes, glandular, metabolites, and organ tissues.

Supplements can come in many forms, with the most common being pills and liquids. Liquids are absorbed five times faster than those in pill form. Dietary supplements have been placed in a special category under foods. They are not classified as drugs so the packages have to be labeled as a dietary supplement. Most dietary supplements are sold as over-the-counter or as prescription. Supplements with only herbs are not as easily found.

We have many supplement products available to us in the United States. Vitamins, minerals, and other supplements such as botanical supplements and extracts from plants and animals are available for sale. There are safety risks in taking some of these vitamin supplements. The Federal Drug Administration does not regulate vitamin supplements. That means that anyone can sell vitamin supplements, the FDA does not keep track of the names of manufacturers or distributors of supplement products.

Tests are often conducted involving people in clinical trials to evaluate if the supplements pose a health risk and the potential health benefits. Supplements are evaluated for their use in animal models and in laboratory studies.

Detailed information is found on the labels f the dietary supplements. If they do not give you the information you want, you may call or contact the company for further information. The name and address of the manufacturer can be found on the labels of any dietary supplements.

Dietary supplements improve our nutrition and help prevent diseases and conditions that can change our life. Calcium intake is important for our bones density especially as we get older. The risk of osteoporosis increases. Calcium supplements help us to reach the maximum amount of calcium needed to benefit bone health. We need over a minimum of 2000 mg of calcium to slow the rate of bone loss that occurs as we age.

You may believe that you eat healthy foods and in the wide variety you consume you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you have reached the age of 50, your dietary needs have changed. It is important to watch your calorie intake but continue to eat a wide variety of foods. Foods that are fortified will help you meet your dietary needs and you may want to talk to a clinical dietitian for help in finding out what your body needs at this stage of your life.

You should use caution when taking vitamins and prescription medications. Watch for any advisories about the product you are taking and for interaction with any drugs prescribed by your doctor.