More than half of all Americans take dietary supplements on a regular basis, but could consuming certain types be doing the body more harm than good?
According to the National Institutes of Health, taking dietary supplements cannot replace eating a variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. While eating nutritional foods should remain your primary source of vitamins and minerals, there are certain diets and phases of life that may require additional dietary supplementation to meet the recommended daily allowance.
While taking a dietary supplement may help replenish a vitamin deficiency, consuming high levels of any supplement can be detrimental to your health. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that consuming an excess of vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene could potentially shorten your lifespan versus extending it. Keep in mind the following supplement tips before reaching for your next vitamin:
• Avoid supplements with too much vitamin A or iron.
• Consult with your physician before taking any supplement to help avoid taking too much of a certain vitamin, which can happen if you already have a nutrient-rich diet.
• Consider taking supplements that correspond with your age, sex, and stage of life, such as calcium for seniors or folic acid for expectant mothers.
Have questions? Contact Carson Tahoe Health.