Get Supplement Savvy
Stroll down the nutritional supplement aisle of your grocery or pharmacy and there are tons of choices and health claims. According to the FDA, there are nearly 100,000 multivitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other supplements on the market today! Pair that with the fact that supplements aren’t fully regulated and you get a market full of choices that is confusing at best in terms of safety and effectiveness.
Alexa Topakas, a dietitian and expert on the topic, helps us to get the real story about nutritional supplements and whether you should add them to your diet.
Whole Food First
For the most part, the term “supplement” should be taken literally as something that isn’t generally necessary. “For most healthy people, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats eliminates the need for vitamin and mineral supplementation,” Alexa says.
Assessing Rewards and Drawbacks
Supplements can be beneficial for some people (see notes on the blog), but there are drawbacks. They can be ineffective, expensive, and even have adverse health effects. “While some supplements can be beneficial in specific situations, excessive intake can lead to wasteful expenditure or worse: Nutrient toxicity,” Alexa says.
The Bottom Line
From omega-3s and calcium to vitamin D and probiotics, Alexa takes a deep dive into specific supplements, what each does in your body, and offers her “bottom line” on whether they’re a good choice for most people in supplement form.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.