An objective discussion on vitamin supplements is confused by the publication of too many scientific studies, which have an element of bias, often from sponsorship from vested interests. One doctor related how he received the results of one study that claimed vitamin C had no affect on the common cold. He was not surprised when he discovered a manufacturer of cold remedies had financed the report.
It has been argued that supplements are unnecessary as all the vitamins and minerals required by the human body are provided by a healthy diet. This is certainly true but how many people really eat a healthy diet? Opinions differ as to what constitutes a healthy diet in any case. Previously it was accepted that five portions of fruit and vegetables each day was the optimum diet but recently it has been suggested this should be raised to eight portions.
In any case, environmental influences alter the level of vitamins required. These include smoking, heavy pollution, stress and other lifestyle considerations. Equally medical changes can alter nutrition needs.
The supply of vitamins and minerals in the diet is also influenced by where consumers buy their fruit and vegetables. Most buy from supermarkets but the mass produced lines found there are suspected of having reduced nutrition. Having previously worked for one large chain I found some anecdotal evidence to suggest growing practices may be at fault. Much of the fruit and vegetables are grown in a light controlled environment and the growing day is reduced to accelerate the growth of the produce. The unfortunate effect of this is the vitamins and minerals do not have the time to accumulate.
Recently there has been publicity regarding vitamin overdoses or poisoning (Hypervitaminosis). This largely relates to vitamin A, found in the livers of many animals, particular concentrations are found in the livers of huskies, seals, walruses and polar bears. Of course the Inuit people are very much aware of this! Vitamin C should also be treated with caution as it can cause a laxative effect and some varieties of vitamin B can cause trouble when taken in excess. Overall however the problem is not a major one with seventeen of the last twenty five years in the USA being free of any deaths from this cause. Indeed it seems you are more likely to die of swallowing laundry products!
There are a great many different brands of nutrition supplement on the market and it is difficult to know which to choose. One feature to look out for is the coating of the tablets. Several cheaper lines use a sugar coating, which can cause the tablet to not dissolve at all but rather pass straight through the gut. Operators of mobile lavatories have reported finding complete vitamin tablets in the toilet bowls. One good way to test such tablets is to place one in a glass of water: the tablet should start dissolving within sixty minutes.
Perhaps the better choice of product would be the more expensive natural dietary supplements on the market. Some are even in powder form thus ensuring the goodness is absorbed more easily. Natural dietary supplements can be of great help to health but it is always worth doing some research, especially into the RDA or Recommended Daily Allowance for each vitamin. It might also be wise to consult a medical or nutrition professional to understand your individual needs.
It has been argued that supplements are unnecessary as all the vitamins and minerals required by the human body are provided by a healthy diet. This is certainly true but how many people really eat a healthy diet? Opinions differ as to what constitutes a healthy diet in any case. Previously it was accepted that five portions of fruit and vegetables each day was the optimum diet but recently it has been suggested this should be raised to eight portions.
In any case, environmental influences alter the level of vitamins required. These include smoking, heavy pollution, stress and other lifestyle considerations. Equally medical changes can alter nutrition needs.
The supply of vitamins and minerals in the diet is also influenced by where consumers buy their fruit and vegetables. Most buy from supermarkets but the mass produced lines found there are suspected of having reduced nutrition. Having previously worked for one large chain I found some anecdotal evidence to suggest growing practices may be at fault. Much of the fruit and vegetables are grown in a light controlled environment and the growing day is reduced to accelerate the growth of the produce. The unfortunate effect of this is the vitamins and minerals do not have the time to accumulate.
Recently there has been publicity regarding vitamin overdoses or poisoning (Hypervitaminosis). This largely relates to vitamin A, found in the livers of many animals, particular concentrations are found in the livers of huskies, seals, walruses and polar bears. Of course the Inuit people are very much aware of this! Vitamin C should also be treated with caution as it can cause a laxative effect and some varieties of vitamin B can cause trouble when taken in excess. Overall however the problem is not a major one with seventeen of the last twenty five years in the USA being free of any deaths from this cause. Indeed it seems you are more likely to die of swallowing laundry products!
There are a great many different brands of nutrition supplement on the market and it is difficult to know which to choose. One feature to look out for is the coating of the tablets. Several cheaper lines use a sugar coating, which can cause the tablet to not dissolve at all but rather pass straight through the gut. Operators of mobile lavatories have reported finding complete vitamin tablets in the toilet bowls. One good way to test such tablets is to place one in a glass of water: the tablet should start dissolving within sixty minutes.
Perhaps the better choice of product would be the more expensive natural dietary supplements on the market. Some are even in powder form thus ensuring the goodness is absorbed more easily. Natural dietary supplements can be of great help to health but it is always worth doing some research, especially into the RDA or Recommended Daily Allowance for each vitamin. It might also be wise to consult a medical or nutrition professional to understand your individual needs.
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