Pros and Cons of Taking Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Pros and Cons of Taking Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
It is estimated that more than half of Americans take vitamin and mineral supplements. While vitamins and minerals are crucial for the body, supplements aren’t always as healthy as you may think they are.
Like everything in life, there are pros and cons of taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Here, we’ll look at some factors that you need to be aware of.
The Pros of Taking Supplements
Vitamin and mineral supplements can deliver a lot of benefits in the right circumstances. For those who are deficient in certain types of vitamins, alongside pregnant women, supplements can prove invaluable at boosting the health.
There are some types of minerals and vitamins that are more difficult to consume in healthy amounts naturally. Vitamin D is a great example as we get most of it from the sun’s rays. If you don’t spend a lot of time in the sun (say if you work from home, for example), you might not be getting the proper level of vitamin D that you need. So, taking a supplement would help to top up your levels, preventing you from developing a vitamin deficiency.
Supplements can also potentially help kids get the nutrients they need. A lot of children can be very fussy eaters. This can mean they simply don’t get the right level of nutrients they should. So, kids’ supplements can help parents ensure their children are getting a healthy dose of vitamins to aid their development.
These are some of the benefits you can experience when taking the right supplements.
What Are the Cons?
It’s logical to think that taking vitamin and mineral supplements can only be a good thing. After all, surely the more you have the healthier you will be. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
If you take too many vitamins and minerals, it can have a negative impact on your health. For example, too much vitamin C can lead to diarrhea and an upset stomach. Too much vitamin B6 on the other hand, can lead to a loss of feeling in the legs and arms. So, you’ll want to avoid taking too much of a particular vitamin or mineral.
There is also some risk when it comes to mixing them. If you take multiple supplements, they can interact with one another, causing a range of problems. Zinc for example, is known to impact how iron and copper are absorbed by the body.
Things to Consider
When you’re trying to decide if supplements are right for you, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. The majority of people who take supplements don’t actually need them. You also need to be careful of fake vitamin and mineral supplements, ensuring you only buy from a respected outlet.
Overall, vitamin and mineral supplements can be a great way to keep your levels topped up. However, you need to make sure you actually need the supplements and that you are taking them correctly.
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