Supplements have Great Benefits but They Are Not Miracle Pills

A large majority of the U.S. population have some kind of vitamin and supplement regiments as part of their dietary process.  Unfortunately, many people are taking them instead of a healthy diet as opposed to what they were designed for, which is ‘in addition’ to a healthy diet and lifestyle. This myth seems to have been taken to additional levels as supplement and vitamin marketing claims escalate to the point of not quite (but almost) misleading the consuming public.

The American Dietetic Association spokesperson and director of sports nutrition at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX, Roberta Anding, MS, RD stated, "They can plug nutrition gaps in your diet, but it is short-sighted to think your vitamin or mineral is the ticket to good health … the big power is on the plate, not in a pill."   This information is confirmed by Karen Ansel, a registered dietician who indicated that it’s better to have food as your main method to get nutrients and said, "Food contains thousands of phytochemicals, fiber, and more that work together to promote good health that cannot be duplicated with a pill or a cocktail of supplements."

Some of the nutrients that are missing from many American’s diet include potassium, vitamin D, calcium and vitamin B-12. While a supplement can assist in adding these nutrients when the food that we eat doesn’t contain them they are not designed to be the single and sole source. Mineral and vitamin supplements can help in the prevention of deficiencies that are contributors to chronic medical conditions.

There have been many studies regarding the effectiveness and health benefits of supplementation for dietary nutrients that are missing. This is particularly important for women as they begin to lose bone density in far younger ages than most are aware of. An NIH study (National Institutes of Health) found a decrease in fractures and an increase in bone density for women of post-menopause who added calcium and vitamin D to their regimens.

Always confer with a major healthcare provider before making any dietary changes, including the addition of vitamins and supplements.