Should I Take a Health Supplement?
Dietary supplements are an important part of the nutrition mix mtrustcompany.marketminute. They’re designed to
provide more specialized forms of vitamins and minerals that your diet doesn’t
contain.

Supplements are not a substitute for healthy eating, and may not be appropriate or
safe for everyone. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor or health care provider
about whether they’re right for you.
The best way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need is to eat a balanced
diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, be sure to get
enough protein and fat from foods and avoid too much sugar and refined
carbohydrates (such as white flour).
There are many reasons that you may need to take a dietary supplement. Lifestyle
factors such as pregnancy, limited sun exposure, smoking and taking certain
medications can cause depletion or increased needs for some micronutrients.
Some dietary supplements, such as multivitamins or fish oil, are safe for most people
to use. But it’s a good idea to check the label for the recommended daily allowance
(RDA) of each nutrient. If you need a higher dose, ask your doctor or nurse to
recommend a more potent form of the nutrient.

You should also check the ingredients list to make sure they’re safe for you. For
example, you should be careful to avoid products containing banned substances
such as mercury or iodine. You should also avoid any supplement that claims to have
a “quick cure” or “easy solutions” to health problems.
Look for a product with the USP or NSF logos to guarantee it has been tested and
verified to be safe for you. NSF tests the ingredients of dietary supplements to make
sure they are free from harmful levels of contaminants, such as heavy metals or
pesticides.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that your body synthesizes in response to sunlight.
This nutrient supports bone and muscle function, immune system activity and cell
division.
The amount of vitamin D in your diet is usually sufficient, but you may be at risk for
low vitamin D if you spend a lot of time indoors or cover up when you’re outdoors
because of the weather, Moseley says. A deficiency can lead to bone pain, muscle
weakness and general fatigue.
Your doctor can test for a vitamin D deficiency and prescribe a treatment, such as a
multivitamin or a dietary supplement. If you’re taking any prescription medications
or if you have other health conditions, your doctor can help you find the best
supplement for you.
Don’t take too much of any dietary supplement, especially when you are pregnant or
breastfeeding. Large doses of some vitamins and minerals can be dangerous for
your baby.
Some supplements may interfere with other medicines you are taking, such as
antidepressants or a blood thinner. If you have diabetes, be sure to consult with your