![]() Popping a pill will not likely cure persistent tiredness either. Feeling under pressure doesn’t automatically lead to a vitamin deficiency, so taking a vitamin supplement won’t necessarily make stressful feelings go away. Vitamin supplements are commonly considered to be an antidote to stress. In fact, there is some evidence that taking high-dose supplements to prevent or cure major chronic diseases (such as heart disease and cancer), may be harmful to your health. Large-scale studies have consistently shown little benefit in taking mega-doses of supplements. For instance, vitamin C is suggested as a cure for the common cold, and vitamin E is widely promoted as a beneficial antioxidant to help prevent heart disease.Īfter extensive research, however, neither of these claims has been shown to be true. It is commonly believed that taking mega-doses of certain vitamins will act like medicine to cure or prevent certain ailments. People who follow vegan diets, especially if pregnant, may benefit from vitamin B12 supplements. Foods fortified with folic acid have the nutrient added to them during production to boost their nutritional value. Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy are recommended folic acid (also known as folate) supplements to reduce their risk of having a child with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.įolic acid is a B-group vitamin which can also be found in some fortified foods such as breads and breakfast cereals. those with malabsorption problems (such as diarrhoea, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis).the elderly (especially those who are disabled or chronically ill).crash dieters or those on very strict diets.people who smoke, drink alcohol in excess or use illegal drugs.pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.However, some people may need supplements to correct vitamin or mineral deficiencies and this includes: A varied diet generally provides enough of each vitamin and mineral. Our body only needs a small amount of vitamins and minerals every day External Link. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is no substitute for a healthy diet. Supplements do not provide the benefits of phytochemicals and other components found in food. Phytochemicals are an important component of food and are thought to reduce the incidence of heart disease and some cancers. This could be because the vitamins and minerals in foods are also influenced by other components of the food, not just the ‘active ingredient’. Research shows a food component that has an effect on the body may not have the same effect when it is isolated and taken as a supplement. The synthetic form (in a supplement or fortified food) is better absorbed by the body than folate from food sources.įood is a complex source of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant chemicals), which all work together. Even though vitamins in supplements are synthesised to the exact chemical composition of naturally-occurring vitamins, they still don’t seem to work as well. ![]() Research indicates that most of the vitamins you get from the food you eat are better than those contained in pills. ![]() Vitamins and minerals are obtained from food ![]() High-dose supplements should not be taken unless recommended under medical advice. They are organic compounds that participate in various metabolic functions. ![]() They are often used as a form of medicine to treat ailments such as colds, or to counteract lifestyle issues such as stress.Ĭontrary to popular belief, vitamins aren’t drugs or miracle cures. Vitamin and mineral supplements are frequently misused and taken without professional advice. While taking a general ‘broad-spectrum’ vitamin and mineral supplement ‘just in case’ poses little health risk, and may benefit a person whose diet is restricted and lacks variety, taking vitamin and mineral supplements instead of eating a nutritious diet is not recommended. It is best to get vitamins and minerals from eating a variety of healthy unprocessed foods. Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies use, in very small amounts, for a variety of metabolic processes. ![]()
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