Visit any big box or grocery store today, and you will find an aisle filled with dietary supplements. This isn’t surprising; approximately 50 percent of American adults now use one or more of these products. Before taking them, however, men and women need to speak to their doctors to determine which products they should take and how much.
People can easily harm their health if they take the wrong supplements or too much of one supplement. While people should try to get vitamins and minerals from their foods, this may not be possible. Before shopping at SupplementRelief.com, talk with your doctor to determine which supplements should be taken, why, and at what dosage.
Why a Supplement May Be Needed?
Elderly individuals may need supplements to maintain good health. However, any person might need to increase their intake of specific vitamins or minerals because they take medications that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb these substances. Certain people lack access to healthy foods and must use supplements to meet their nutritional needs.
Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should talk with their doctor about supplements and which to take. Young children may need iron and vitamin D supplements to confirm they are getting enough of these vital nutrients, and anyone over 50 should ask their doctor about supplements. Vegans, individuals with dairy allergies, and men and women who have undergone gastric bypass surgery may also need to take supplements. Doctors might also recommend supplements for individuals with specific health and genetic conditions, such as liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
Identifying Deficiencies
People often don’t realize they have a vitamin or mineral deficiency until their doctor finds it during a checkup. However, certain people should know they are at higher risk of one. For example, vegans often lack calcium and vitamins B12 and D.
A person losing their hair or struggling with joint and bone pain should let their doctor know. Extreme fatigue, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms should be mentioned to a doctor. If a wound isn’t healing, make an appointment to see the doctor. Nutritional deficiencies aren’t a significant problem in the United States, but a person must know what is leading to the symptoms they are experiencing. It may be a deficiency.
Too Much of a Good Thing
People can take a multivitamin every day with few worries. They aren’t likely to get too much of a good thing. However, men and women who consume fortified foods and drinks may get more specific vitamins and minerals than they need. This can lead to nausea and other side effects, some of which can be serious.
These supplements aren’t regulated, so people can’t know precisely what they are getting and how much they are getting. Furthermore, they may interact with medications the person is taking. People must inform their doctor about any supplements they are taking to ensure they won’t interact with prescribed drugs or cause complications during a medical procedure.
Certain medications are more commonly associated with problems. Beta-carotene and vitamin A are harmful to smokers, and certain forms of vitamin A can cause birth defects. Antioxidants can affect some cancer treatments, and high doses of vitamin B12 can cause anxiety, headaches, and dizziness. Excessive vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia and kidney stones.
Supplements benefit countless individuals when appropriately used. However, when misused, they can harm a person’s health. Before taking a supplement, everyone should speak with their doctor to ensure they see the benefits without the drawbacks. When their nutritional needs are met, they will feel better and have a higher quality of life.
