In my practice, clients often ask me whether they should be taking a vitamin or mineral supplement, and although there are times when supplementation is helpful, the best way to get the nutrients your body needs is from food. Food provides you with vitamins and minerals in the right amounts and combinations - nature got it right! Food also contains other beneficial components that you can't get from a supplement. These include fibre and phytochemicals, which may protect against cancer, heart disease and even slow the ageing process! Times when a vitamin or mineral supplement may be useful include:
- When there is a specific diagnosed nutrient deficiency
- People with particularly low food intakes
- Vegans - may need a B12 supplement
- Athletes - may need an iron supplement
- After surgery or burns
- Heavy drinkers
If you think you may need a supplement, it is important not to self-prescribe. Seek advice from an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, or a General Practitioner.
Another thing to remember, is that with supplements more is not better, and large doses of individual nutrients can be toxic. Supplements may also react negatively with other medications, such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics or the contraceptive pill.
Supplements are not a cure-all. They cannot cure a cold, give you energy when you haven't had enough sleep, make up for unhealthy eating or guarantee that you will get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. So, the best place to start is by eating a healthy, balanced diet.
If you would like to get your diet reviewed to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need, book an appointment today.
