To meet the daily requirement for vitamin C, can be satisfied by eating an
orange - or taking one tablet of vitamin C. Which one is better? In many ways,
of course oranges better. Indeed, the best way to get vitamins and minerals is
through food that is needed rather than supplements. Many adults take vitamin
supplements on a regular basis. There are some who regard it as a substitute
for the essential food. While others regard it as a guarantee that no harm.
Multivitamin and mineral supplement daily dose is close to 100% of the
recommended dietary allowance, do no harm and may be beneficial if we eat foods
that are not much variation. However, supplements can not provide another
important element in the diet. Before taking supplements other than a
multivitamin and mineral supplement standard, consult with your doctor or a
registered dietitian. Important to note that we do not consume more than the
recommended amount. Many nutrients can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
Food benefits
Complete meal provides a large number of benefits that can
not be obtained from the pill:
- Full meals are complex. Complete food containing various
nutrients that the body needs. For example, an orange contains not only vitamin
C but also beta carotene, calcium, and other nutrients.
- A complete food containing fiber. Fiber is important for
digestion and can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and constipation.
- Full meals contain phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are
naturally occurring compounds that plants make to protect the plant from
bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In contrast to vitamins and minerals,
phytochemicals, yet clearly known nutritional value. However, phytochemicals
may help protect us from a number of diseases including cancer, heart disease,
osteoporosis, and diabetes.
Anyone who needs a supplement?
For most people, a healthy diet is already providing
enough vitamins and minerals. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be useful
for:
- People aged 65 years or more. The older, health problems
can lead to a poorer diet, this makes us more difficult to get the necessary
vitamins and minerals. In addition, the body may not be able to absorb more
vitamin B6, B12 and vitamin D as usual, made more necessary supplements.
Further been shown that multivitamins can improve immune function and reduce
the risk of certain infections with increasing age.
- Women who entered the post-menopausal period. For some
women, without the help of supplements, will have difficulty getting adequate
amounts of calcium and vitamin D are recommended. Supplements of calcium and
vitamin D are both proven to protect women from osteoporosis.
- Those who do not eat well enough. If in a day we do not
eat five servings of fruits and vegetables as recommended, then by taking one
tablet of multivitamin supplements alone may be sufficient. However, the best
course of action is to create better eating habits.
- For those who are on a low calorie diet. If every day
someone eating less than 1,000 calories, he may need vitamin and mineral
supplements.
- For those who smoke. Tobacco lowers the absorption
process a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamn B6, B12, vitamin
C, folate, and niacin.
- For those who like to drink alcohol excessively.
Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with digestion and absorption of
thiamine, folate, and vitamins A, D, and B12. Changes also affect the
metabolism of minerals such as zinc, selenium.
- Women who plan to become pregnant, are pregnant or
breastfeeding. During these times, she needs more specific nutrients,
especially folic acid - the synthetic form of folate. Folic acid helps prevent
neural tube damage such as spina bifida (spinal deformity) in the fetus. Iron
supplements given during pregnancy can help prevent anemia in the mother.
- Those who eat special foods or suffer from chronic
conditions. If variations in a person's diet is limited, because it is not
resistant to certain foods or suffer from food allergies, she should take
vitamin and mineral supplements. If he is a vegetarian who did not eat food
animal products, it requires a possibility of additional vitamin B12 and zinc.
If he does not eat dairy products and is not exposed to sunlight was about 15
minutes a day, that person may require supplements of calcium and vitamin D in
their diets.
Several chronic medical conditions may increase a person's
nutritional needs are varied, given the appetite is impaired and the body is
less able to cope. In this case, it may take a special supplement.
