Wellness Wednesday Tip!! Supplements… Do you NEED to take them?

Tips for those who MAY need Supplements!!!

For those that maintain a healthy and balanced diet, individuals may still need nutrient supplements depending on their situation.  For example, older adults, pregnant women, and people who are food insecure are at increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, thus the word SUPPLEMENT, we take supplements as an addition to the foods we eat, because you are not able to get all that you need from the foods.

Some individuals are limited in their food choices due to allergies, or because they are following a vegetarian or vegan diet. For example, animal foods are the main source of vitamin B12, so people who follow a vegan diet need to eat fortified foods and/or take a supplement.

Other groups who may require additional supplementation include people who are taking certain medications or have a health condition that changes how their body uses nutrients, and individuals who have been told by their doctor they have a specific nutrient deficiency.

Your doctor can order tests to help determine if taking SUPPLEMENTS would benefit you. The results might show that you are low in a certain nutrient or you might discover that you’re doing just fine. Additionally, review your current diet.

Remember, when we take a nutrient out of a food and concentrate it in a pill, it’s not quite the same thing, but adding supplements, such as vitamins, and minerals, are a great way to get those added nutrients.

Be sure to consider your individual situation and consult a doctor before considering supplements.

See you next week!
CoachABC

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