Pivotal Health Products, LLC says, “The increased popularity of nutritional supplements to maintain health is still in full swing, even though a number of studies have indicated that many of the supplements have little effect, and may even be detrimental in some aspects.” Nutrition scientists continue to recommend getting your daily requirement of necessary vitamins and minerals from food, but if you have doubts about your ability to get these compounds from your daily diet, supplements can provide the additional safety net for your nutritional needs. Studies on a number of supplements support their benefits for health.
Calcium and Vitamin D
The results from a number of studies clearly indicate that taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D can help to increase bone health. Studies show that vitamin D is essential for proper absorption of the calcium, so a combination pill is recommended. Adults may not always get the amount of calcium they require in their normal diets, and this can be a particular problem in older people who may have a decreased appetite.
Fish Oil Supplements
The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are well known to the nutrition research community. Many people are now taking fish oil supplements to ensure that they get a sufficient amount of this important nutrient, particularly if they do not normally eat the fatty fish like tuna or salmon that contain the omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the B-complex vitamins that are water-soluble, and so is not stored by the body. B-12 is critical for maintaining nerve cells and for the production of DNA and RNA in the body. It also works with folic acid to make red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. B-12 is also involved in healthy immune function and mood regulation.
· Researchers found that older people often have lower levels of vitamin B-12. Older people often produce less stomach acid and may be unable to absorb sufficient amounts of vitamin B-12.
· Individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori, the cause of stomach ulcers, and those with eating disorders may also have problems with absorption of B-12.
· Individuals who follow vegan diets generally do not ingest sufficient B-12 because they don’t eat the eggs and dairy products that provide this important nutrient.
· Patients with GI absorption problems and patients with HIV may also require B-12 in supplemental form.
· B-12 is currently under research for its importance in preventing heart disease, reducing the risk for macular degeneration and reducing the risk for breast cancer.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, also called vitamin B-9, is another water-soluble B vitamin that is not stored in the body. It is an important nutrient for healthy absorption of nutrients and health of the cardiovascular system. Folic acid deficiency is also linked to birth defects of the brain and spine in babies in the womb. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 400 milligrams of folic acid per day for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant, either from foods, from supplements or from both, to prevent the risk of birth defects in their babies.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant compound that is used as a spice. A number of studies indicate that it can be helpful in relieving joint pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This compound may also have other benefits, including improvement of gastrointestinal conditions, reducing eye inflammation, reducing skin irritation and decreasing the risk for diabetes.
Nutritional supplements can interact with over-the-counter or prescription medications, altering the medication’s effectiveness. Always talk to your doctor about taking a supplement if you take other medications regularly.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/13/do-vitamins-and-supplements-actually-work_n_1510985.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/662.html
