Many supposedly objective studies on vitamin supplements tend to complicate discussions on the subject as they are too often guided by sponsorship from a vested interest. One health professional told me he had received the results of one study, which concluded vitamin C had no influence in preventing the common cold. This contradicted other research and seemed strange until the doctor noticed a manufacturer of cold remedies had sponsored the study.
Arguments against the use of supplements include the belief that all the vitamins and minerals the body needs are to be found in a healthy diet. This is absolutely true, of course, but how many people really eat a healthy balanced diet? There are even differences of opinion as to what constitutes a healthy diet. Until recently the consumption of five portions of fruit and vegetables was considered the correct diet but recently it has been suggested that eight portions might be the better number.
The situation is further complicated by environmental challenges, which change nutritional requirements. These include smoking, heavy pollution, stress and other lifestyle factors. Medical conditions can also alter the level of vitamins and minerals needed.
Most people now buy fruit and vegetables from the supermarket. Research is now starting to question the level of nutrition in many mass produced lines. Having worked for a large supermarket chain I have heard anecdotal evidence that growing, transportation and storage can adversely affect the benefits of certain lines. Much produce is grown in a controlled environment where the length of the growing day is reduced to increase the yield. As a result the vitamins and minerals expected do not have time to accumulate.
Concern has also been expressed over the possibility of vitamin poisoning or vitamin overdoses (Hypervitaminosis). Vitamin A seems to be the main culprit and is found in the livers of animals. Curiously the livers of seals, polar bears, walruses and huskies have dangerously high levels, which is now well known to the Inuit! Vitamin C should also be treated with care as excesses can lead to a laxative effect and some strains of vitamin B may have adverse affects in large quantities. Despite this, statistics show that the USA has had seventeen out of the last twenty-five years clear of any hypervitaminosis related deaths. Indeed more people die of eating laundry products! Nonetheless vitamins should be taken in moderation.
The brands of supplements available vary greatly. The coating of any tablets is one feature worthwhile understanding. Some cheap lines have a sugar coating to keep the shape of the tablet but this can cause the tablet not to dissolve at all but pass straight through the gut. There is a simple way to test for this: simply place a tablet in a glass of water and see if it dissolves.
As is so often the case the cheaper brands of supplements may not perform as well as the more expensive natural dietary supplements available. Some of these lines using natural ingredients even come in powder form so helping the absorption process.
Natural dietary supplements can be an essential aid to health but it is worthwhile researching your requirements and the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for each vitamin or even consulting a health or nutrition professional before deciding on a particular product.
If you are interested in trying a quality range of natural dietary supplements, please visit LookRavishing.com .
Arguments against the use of supplements include the belief that all the vitamins and minerals the body needs are to be found in a healthy diet. This is absolutely true, of course, but how many people really eat a healthy balanced diet? There are even differences of opinion as to what constitutes a healthy diet. Until recently the consumption of five portions of fruit and vegetables was considered the correct diet but recently it has been suggested that eight portions might be the better number.
The situation is further complicated by environmental challenges, which change nutritional requirements. These include smoking, heavy pollution, stress and other lifestyle factors. Medical conditions can also alter the level of vitamins and minerals needed.
Most people now buy fruit and vegetables from the supermarket. Research is now starting to question the level of nutrition in many mass produced lines. Having worked for a large supermarket chain I have heard anecdotal evidence that growing, transportation and storage can adversely affect the benefits of certain lines. Much produce is grown in a controlled environment where the length of the growing day is reduced to increase the yield. As a result the vitamins and minerals expected do not have time to accumulate.
Concern has also been expressed over the possibility of vitamin poisoning or vitamin overdoses (Hypervitaminosis). Vitamin A seems to be the main culprit and is found in the livers of animals. Curiously the livers of seals, polar bears, walruses and huskies have dangerously high levels, which is now well known to the Inuit! Vitamin C should also be treated with care as excesses can lead to a laxative effect and some strains of vitamin B may have adverse affects in large quantities. Despite this, statistics show that the USA has had seventeen out of the last twenty-five years clear of any hypervitaminosis related deaths. Indeed more people die of eating laundry products! Nonetheless vitamins should be taken in moderation.
The brands of supplements available vary greatly. The coating of any tablets is one feature worthwhile understanding. Some cheap lines have a sugar coating to keep the shape of the tablet but this can cause the tablet not to dissolve at all but pass straight through the gut. There is a simple way to test for this: simply place a tablet in a glass of water and see if it dissolves.
As is so often the case the cheaper brands of supplements may not perform as well as the more expensive natural dietary supplements available. Some of these lines using natural ingredients even come in powder form so helping the absorption process.
Natural dietary supplements can be an essential aid to health but it is worthwhile researching your requirements and the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for each vitamin or even consulting a health or nutrition professional before deciding on a particular product.
If you are interested in trying a quality range of natural dietary supplements, please visit LookRavishing.com .
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