Vitamins
June 24, 2012 // Nutrition, Wellness
A Perfect World.
In a perfect world, everyone would cook all their meals using only the highest-quality foods. All vegetables would be fresh from a garden free of pesticides. All foods from animal sources would be free-range and absent of steroids, hormones, and fillers. All meals would be highly nutritious and everyone would health-conscious. In reality, our daily schedules allow only a small amount of time to cook and eat. Convenience is one of the most important factors to many when deciding their meals. Because of the need for instant gratification, foods that require time to prepare are often neglected, while processed foods that come out of a box are chosen as meals.
This is not real food.
Changing the chemistry of foods affects the composition of their nutrients. Using chemicals to extend the shelf-life of food interferes with the preservation of its vitamins and minerals. Simply put, the food loses its nutritional value when altered through processing. Furthermore, the vitamins and minerals in foods are not always absorbed in the body due to such factors as blood sugar levels, thyroid function, and bacteria present. This is why vitamin deficiencies are a common theme amongst the average US diet.
Vitamins – Do They Work?
Let’s not get confused about the function of vitamins and minerals – they help facilitate growth and development of the human body. Vitamins and minerals are essential to health and wellness. Although some vitamins and minerals have a near instant chemical effect in the body, they are most effective and beneficial to one’s health when taken consistently for an extended period of time. Some people view vitamins as an instant fix for a health issue. Vitamins are not going to make someone superhuman just because they were consumed one time. Vitamins and minerals are similar to dieting; long term compliance yields long term effects. The question should not be “do these vitamins work?”, but instead “do I need to take a vitamin supplement?”
Are vitamins necessary? That depends on the person and their nutritional habits. Just like other supplements like protein and fish oil, vitamins can be beneficial for the right individual. If a person’s diet is erratic and lacking in high-quality foods, a vitamin supplement may be appropriate to help add the missing nutrients into their dietary habits. Would a vitamin supplement help ensure more nutrients are incorporated each day? Sure. For others, their nutritional habits may be optimal and their food choices contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. A supplement for these health-conscious people would not be as encouraged. As always, dietary habits are the most important factor in determining the NEED for supplements such as vitamins.
Vitamin supplements can be costly and are not always guaranteed to provide the nutrients they claim. This is due to the amount of nutrients actually absorbed, which can vary person to person based on their organ functions, pre-exisiting medical conditions, and current medication intake. Taking a vitamin MAY have a positive effect on a persons health, but should not be used as a substitute for nutrients from food. As always, the best source for vitamins and minerals are natural food sources like plants and animals.
Summary.
Supplement: Vitamins
Specific Population: Anyone*
Value: High
When: Daily, with food.
*Your Responsibility.
As always, health varies from person to person. It is your responsibility to determine if any supplement or product will interfere with your medications or health conditions. It is important to differentiate between strategic marketing tactics and actual health benefits.
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