Vitamins and Supplements

Most basic vitamins and minerals are presumed to be safe to take at the recommended doses. However, bad reactions to supplements are possible. An estimated 23 000 emergency department visits every year are directly related to taking nutritional supplements. These visits often result from toxic ingredients in some supplements such as heavy metals, steroids, and stimulants. Bad reactions can also happen owing to an overdose of a certain ingredient or because children accidentally take the supplement. Be honest with your physician about any supplements you are considering taking. Dispose of any old vitamins and supplements that are not being used.

A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, some cheeses, fish, poultry, or lean meats provides all needed vitamins and nutrients. Evidence suggests that our body is better at absorbing nutrients from food than from supplements. Whole foods also provide the amounts and ratios of nutrients that our body can most efficiently use. Evidence shows that people who eat a balanced diet have positive health benefits, and these benefits are not found in supplements. Vitamins and supplements cannot make up for a less-than-healthy diet.