Should You be Taking Supplements? Here’s How You Can Find Out What Nutrients You’re Missing and Whether Supplements Are the Right Choice.

Should you be taking supplements? There isn’t a one-size-fits all answer to that question, but studies also show that certain supplements can be a good idea depending on certain health conditions. “Supplement” is just another word for pills, capsules, gummies, or even powders that contain one or more nutrients. Supplements can be a great way to fill in the gaps in your nutrient intake, or to address differing nutrient needs based on specific medical conditions. Though only your doctor can tell you exactly what supplements you should (or shouldn’t) be taking, today we’re going over some of the overarching concepts that it’s worth knowing about supplements. Let’s get started.

Supplements and Diet

As we mentioned, supplements are substances that contain one or more nutrients that your body needs to function optimally such as vitamins, enzymes, aminos, or minerals. The most important thing to know about supplements is that they cannot replace a healthy diet; your body’s primary source of nutrition should be fresh whole foods that are naturally rich in beneficial nutrients. However, supplements can be beneficial add-ons to a healthy diet, but this depends on a variety of health factors that should be discussed with your doctor, such as age, medical history, family history, allergies, diet, and fitness levels. There are helpful blood tests that look at nutrient levels, antioxidant status, markers of gut health and detoxification, and omega 3 and 6 levels which can help guide those decisions.

Step one to ensuring that your body receives the right proportion of nutrients to function optimally is to talk to your physician or a registered dietitian about what foods you should be eating. Whole foods (fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and clean protein sources) are the gold standard, but the calories, macronutrients, and volume you’ll be consuming depend on your unique health profile. Ultimately, the goal is to make sure that your diet is both satisfying and nutritious.

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When Supplements Are a Good Idea

There’s nothing wrong with taking a daily multivitamin made by a trusted brand, as “insurance” for any dietary gaps. Other supplements that are often beneficial based on common nutrient deficiencies include a B-Complex, Vitamin D3 (don’t take more than 2,000 IU unless you are having your blood levels checked), and a good quality fish oil. Taking high levels of vitamins without guidance from a professional is not a good idea and can be a waste of money. Some nutrients in excess such as beta carotene or vitamin E, have been linked to physiological damage when taken in unnecessary excess over long periods of time.

Patients with certain health conditions may benefit from targeted nutrient supplementation. For example, patients who are anemic may benefit from taking an iron supplement as directed by their physician. Alternately, patients with osteoporosis benefit from calcium, minerals, and vitamin D. Pregnant women are often advised to take prenatal multivitamins to prevent birth defects. Individuals with dietary restrictions – like those who are vegan – can benefit from taking nutrients that are often low in a vegan diet such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3. Your best bet is to ask your trusted professional what supplements are likely to benefit you based on your diet and health conditions.

Should you be taking supplements? Though that’s a question that can only be answered by you and your doctor or dietician, the best thing you can do right away to make sure you’re getting the best nutrients for your body is to maintain a diet composed of nutrient-rich whole foods. If you’re interested in blood testing in order to determine what supplement options and brands would be best for you, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us.

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