Why take vitamin and mineral supplements? How do we know if we need them? With all the conflicting information available it is difficult to sort truth from fiction. They can help prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies when the diet is not adequate. They can also provide amounts of nutrients larger than the diet can provide. Larger amounts of some nutrients may help protect against future disease.

There is a misconception in society today that if we eat a well balanced diet we are getting all the nutrients our body needs. People may consume diets that are deficient in one or more nutrients for a variety of reasons. The typical diet often supplies less than adequate amounts of several essential vitamins and minerals. Most commonly people are lacking calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.

Women of childbearing age should take a folic acid supplement. 400 micrograms of folic acid a day decreases the risk of birth defects. Post-menopausal women need vitamin D and calcium. Calcium should be 1000 milligrams in pre-menopausal women to 1200 milligrams after menopause. Vitamin D should go from 200 to 400IU's at age 50 and at age 70 vitamin D should be increased from 400 to 600IU's. Men and women over the age 50 should take vitamin B12. A vitamin B12 deficiency can mimic certain mental deficits, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Before buying any vitamin or mineral supplement it is important to read the label. Make sure you do not exceed 100% of the daily value. Cost is not always a factor. The cheapest can be as good as the most expensive. Vitamin and mineral supplements are an inexpensive way to better your health.

Some great sources of information on the web are www.goldengeese.co.uk they have a great cash back program. You buy from one of their websites and they pay you cash back or points. I looked into B&S House of Health, Gold Shield Healthcare, and Health Monthly, but there are tons to choose from. You can also go to www.healthyreinforcement.com. There are a ton of resources available on the internet, you can speak with a nutritionist, or go to your local library.

Learn more about this author, Jacqueline Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Benefits of vitamin & mineral supplements?
We want to hear your view. Write now!