Common Misconceptions About Vitamins and Minerals Explained
If you're interested in learning more about vitamins and minerals, read on for a list of common misconceptions and find out the truth before starting a new regimen.
Getting the right vitamins and minerals is key to a healthy life. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), multivitamin supplements are the most commonly used among all U.S. age groups.
Multivitamins Make Up for a Poor Diet
One of the most common medical myths is that you can take a multivitamin to make up for a diet lacking important nutrients. But ideally, it's best to get the essential vitamins and minerals from your foods.
If you're deficient in a particular vitamin or mineral, supplementation can help. But taking a multivitamin alone won't be enough to provide your body with what it needs if you're eating an unhealthy diet otherwise.
Fruits, vegetables, and grains are packed with healthy nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. While it can certainly help to take a multivitamin daily, it's usually not enough to give you the healthy nutrients you can find in natural foods.
You Can't Overdose on Vitamins and Minerals
Since most supplements are marketed as being healthy for your body, you may think overdosing on them is impossible. But taking too many vitamins and minerals can harm your health.
Some foods like sports bars and fortified cereals contain well over the recommended daily allowance of certain vitamins and minerals. If you add supplements to the mix, it could result in some serious side effects.
Sometimes, taking too many vitamins or too high a dose can damage your vital internal organs. For example, taking too much vitamin A can harm the liver, and too much vitamin C can cause stomach and kidney issues. Ensure you know how much you consume daily, including your foods, to avoid an accidental overdose.
All Supplements are Regulated
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication is heavily regulated under the FDA or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and minerals are not regulated, so the FDA doesn't decide whether they're safe and effective before they hit the shelves.
As a consumer, you're left to determine which products are safe and suitable for you. As soon as supplements are sold, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) monitor labels to look for misleading claims. Otherwise, these agencies don't get involved in the manufacturing process.
Some consumer watchdogs watch a few vitamin and mineral brands and products, but strict government regulations are still different. Make sure you look for products that contain the exact type and amount of ingredients they have listed on the label.
If you're worried about the products you take, make sure you choose professional dietary supplements made by a company you can trust. SupplementRelief.com offers professional formulas from reputable brands that we personally use and trust. Research the brand and make your own informed decision.
You Don't Really Need Supplements
While a multivitamin can't make up for a poor diet, some people believe there's no need for supplements. Yet using the right supplements can provide many benefits and help some people manage specific health conditions.
People on a calorie-restricted diet may benefit from taking vitamins and minerals. Those who are allergic to dairy products can benefit significantly from taking calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
Vegans and people on a strict vegetarian diet will benefit greatly from taking B12 and vitamin B complex supplements. And women who are pregnant need to take folic acid during their pregnancies.
So, what vitamins should I take and how often? The answer depends on your health, your current diet, and any specific vitamins or minerals your body lacks.
One way to determine which supplements are right for you is to speak to your doctor. Ask for a blood test to get a clearer picture of what your body needs.
Vitamins Should Only be Taken on an Empty Stomach
Some myths about vitamins claim they should only be consumed on an empty stomach. Many vitamins are water-soluble, which means they dissolve in water and absorb into the body regardless of whether your stomach is full.
Some fat-soluble vitamins should only be taken with food containing some fat. These include vitamins A, D, E, and K and should only be taken with fat to ensure proper absorption.
On the other hand, taking a complete multivitamin and other types of water-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach can lead to stomach problems like nausea. Consult the directions provided on the product label. Ultimately, it's up to you whether or not you should take those supplements with or without food.
Know the Truth About Supplements
Remember these myths about vitamins and minerals to make a better-informed decision about your supplement plan. From the potential side effects and knowing which supplements provide the best benefits, being armed with information is the best way to ensure your body gets what it needs.
If you're looking for more ways to enhance your health, take a look at our Blog which covers a wide range of health and wellness topics that may interest you.
Jay Todtenbier is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010 and has operated the business ever since. He is also a tennis instructor and gospel musician. Formerly he spent 25 years in business development, technology and marketing with startups and major corporations having gone through the tech boom in Silicon Valley in the 90s. He became passionate about, and began studying and practicing Wellness as a Lifestyle after experiencing chronic, personal health challenges including depression, auto-immune disorders, and being overweight that impacted his ability to live a healthy, vibrant life. Since then, he has been an advocate for healthier living encouraging others to live better through making small, gradual changes to lifestyle behaviors relating to whole-foods nutrition, stress management, reasonable exercise, proper sleep, and the use of targeted, high-quality supplements.
Learn more about Jay Todtenbier.
Related Content
We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.
Vitamins: Multi-Vitamin or Single Supplements? What You Need to Know
What exactly are vitamins? People believe that vitamins are good for them, and for that reason alone, many people take them. Some individuals supplement with individual vitamins while others pop a multi-vitamin. How does one know when they have received what they need from their vitamins? Can you take too many vitamins? Which ones? Learn about vitamins, the benefits they offer, and the best way to take them.
What Is Functional Medicine?
The human body is an incredibly complex system and we have come so far in how we understand what it does. There are numerous ways of thinking, ideologies, and theories that have merged from the medical field. Just as different as those theories, what is even more different is each person's need when it comes to health and wellness. There is no one size fits all approach. That's where functional medicine comes into play. Read on to learn everything you need to know about functional medicine so you can make the best decision for your health!
What Is the Standard American Diet (SAD)?
How aware are you of what's going into your body? Are you eating to live or living to eat? In reality, we all have different nutritional needs, but the standard American diet (SAD) doesn't suit most of them (or most people, for that matter). Your diet might be making you sick, sluggish, and at-risk.
Why Spend the Money for Professional-Grade Supplements?
The term professional-grade is used to create a clear distinction between the quality of supplements used by healthcare practitioners compared to those used by the majority of consumers who buy over-the-counter. Professional-grade speaks to sourcing methods and quality of the ingredients used, the reliability of the manufacturing process, and efficacy of the quality assurance testing process. These work together to insure the supplement minimally meets and generally exceeds the standards documented on the supplement label.
-
Blog Post
Getting the right vitamins and minerals is key to a healthy life. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), multivitamin supplements are the most commonly used among all U.S. age groups.
Multivitamins Make Up for a Poor Diet
One of the most common medical myths is that you can take a multivitamin to make up for a diet lacking important nutrients. But ideally, it's best to get the essential vitamins and minerals from your foods.
If you're deficient in a particular vitamin or mineral, supplementation can help. But taking a multivitamin alone won't be enough to provide your body with what it needs if you're eating an unhealthy diet otherwise.
Fruits, vegetables, and grains are packed with healthy nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. While it can certainly help to take a multivitamin daily, it's usually not enough to give you the healthy nutrients you can find in natural foods.
You Can't Overdose on Vitamins and Minerals
Since most supplements are marketed as being healthy for your body, you may think overdosing on them is impossible. But taking too many vitamins and minerals can harm your health.
Some foods like sports bars and fortified cereals contain well over the recommended daily allowance of certain vitamins and minerals. If you add supplements to the mix, it could result in some serious side effects.
Sometimes, taking too many vitamins or too high a dose can damage your vital internal organs. For example, taking too much vitamin A can harm the liver, and too much vitamin C can cause stomach and kidney issues. Ensure you know how much you consume daily, including your foods, to avoid an accidental overdose.
All Supplements are Regulated
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication is heavily regulated under the FDA or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and minerals are not regulated, so the FDA doesn't decide whether they're safe and effective before they hit the shelves.
As a consumer, you're left to determine which products are safe and suitable for you. As soon as supplements are sold, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) monitor labels to look for misleading claims. Otherwise, these agencies don't get involved in the manufacturing process.
Some consumer watchdogs watch a few vitamin and mineral brands and products, but strict government regulations are still different. Make sure you look for products that contain the exact type and amount of ingredients they have listed on the label.
If you're worried about the products you take, make sure you choose professional dietary supplements made by a company you can trust. SupplementRelief.com offers professional formulas from reputable brands that we personally use and trust. Research the brand and make your own informed decision.
You Don't Really Need Supplements
While a multivitamin can't make up for a poor diet, some people believe there's no need for supplements. Yet using the right supplements can provide many benefits and help some people manage specific health conditions.
People on a calorie-restricted diet may benefit from taking vitamins and minerals. Those who are allergic to dairy products can benefit significantly from taking calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
Vegans and people on a strict vegetarian diet will benefit greatly from taking B12 and vitamin B complex supplements. And women who are pregnant need to take folic acid during their pregnancies.
So, what vitamins should I take and how often? The answer depends on your health, your current diet, and any specific vitamins or minerals your body lacks.
One way to determine which supplements are right for you is to speak to your doctor. Ask for a blood test to get a clearer picture of what your body needs.
Vitamins Should Only be Taken on an Empty Stomach
Some myths about vitamins claim they should only be consumed on an empty stomach. Many vitamins are water-soluble, which means they dissolve in water and absorb into the body regardless of whether your stomach is full.
Some fat-soluble vitamins should only be taken with food containing some fat. These include vitamins A, D, E, and K and should only be taken with fat to ensure proper absorption.
On the other hand, taking a complete multivitamin and other types of water-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach can lead to stomach problems like nausea. Consult the directions provided on the product label. Ultimately, it's up to you whether or not you should take those supplements with or without food.
Know the Truth About Supplements
Remember these myths about vitamins and minerals to make a better-informed decision about your supplement plan. From the potential side effects and knowing which supplements provide the best benefits, being armed with information is the best way to ensure your body gets what it needs.
If you're looking for more ways to enhance your health, take a look at our Blog which covers a wide range of health and wellness topics that may interest you.
AuthorJay Todtenbier is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010 and has operated the business ever since. He is also a tennis instructor and gospel musician. Formerly he spent 25 years in business development, technology and marketing with startups and major corporations having gone through the tech boom in Silicon Valley in the 90s. He became passionate about, and began studying and practicing Wellness as a Lifestyle after experiencing chronic, personal health challenges including depression, auto-immune disorders, and being overweight that impacted his ability to live a healthy, vibrant life. Since then, he has been an advocate for healthier living encouraging others to live better through making small, gradual changes to lifestyle behaviors relating to whole-foods nutrition, stress management, reasonable exercise, proper sleep, and the use of targeted, high-quality supplements.
Learn more about Jay Todtenbier.
-
Related Content
Related Content
We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.
Vitamins: Multi-Vitamin or Single Supplements? What You Need to Know
What exactly are vitamins? People believe that vitamins are good for them, and for that reason alone, many people take them. Some individuals supplement with individual vitamins while others pop a multi-vitamin. How does one know when they have received what they need from their vitamins? Can you take too many vitamins? Which ones? Learn about vitamins, the benefits they offer, and the best way to take them.
What Is Functional Medicine?
The human body is an incredibly complex system and we have come so far in how we understand what it does. There are numerous ways of thinking, ideologies, and theories that have merged from the medical field. Just as different as those theories, what is even more different is each person's need when it comes to health and wellness. There is no one size fits all approach. That's where functional medicine comes into play. Read on to learn everything you need to know about functional medicine so you can make the best decision for your health!
What Is the Standard American Diet (SAD)?
How aware are you of what's going into your body? Are you eating to live or living to eat? In reality, we all have different nutritional needs, but the standard American diet (SAD) doesn't suit most of them (or most people, for that matter). Your diet might be making you sick, sluggish, and at-risk.
Why Spend the Money for Professional-Grade Supplements?
The term professional-grade is used to create a clear distinction between the quality of supplements used by healthcare practitioners compared to those used by the majority of consumers who buy over-the-counter. Professional-grade speaks to sourcing methods and quality of the ingredients used, the reliability of the manufacturing process, and efficacy of the quality assurance testing process. These work together to insure the supplement minimally meets and generally exceeds the standards documented on the supplement label.
The information, knowledge, and experience shared on this website is the opinion of SupplementRelief.com. This site and its content is intended to enhance your knowledge base as YOU MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE DECISIONS in partnership with your qualified health professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referred to are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Comments are displayed in order of the last one posted so the most recent Comment is at the top and older Comments are towards the bottom. Replies within a Comment are displayed in reverse order with the oldest Reply at the top and the most recent one at the bottom.
Each post identifies who made the post and the date and time the post was made.
Mouse over the icons for tooltips that explain what the data means.
If you see this icon you can attach an Audio file to your post.
If you see this icon you can attach a Document file to your post.
If you see this icon you can attach an Image file to your post.
If you see this icon you can attach a Video file to your post.
You will see the Ban icon (Report Post as SPAM) immediately following the Timestamp of the post. Click this icon if you feel strongly that the content posted is not appropriate and should be reviewed by the Forum Moderator. You will be provided with a confirmation dialog to be sure you wish to submit this post for review. If submitted, the Forum Moderator will be notified to review the post and will determine what type of action to take.
Click in the upper right corner of this Help modal or anywhere on the web page outside of the modal to exit Help.
×
