Are All Of These Vitamins Really Necessary? 1:1

BODY-

I recently went to GNC to purchase some vitamins. I figured I needed to update my vitamin stock from the usual grocery store purchases. I walked in and was overwhelmed with all the different choices. The entire wall was bottle upon bottle of different options. They all had different labels as to what their uses were. HELP!!

 

It seems as if society today has kick-started this tremendous effort to “get healthy.” The prevalence of overweight and obese adults in the United States is currently at 68.0% according to JAMA. This is an incredibly high number. With this amount of overweight adults, it’s no surprise that there is a ton of new information out there regarding vitamins, diets, exercise, supplements, gyms, weight-loss surgeries, etc. We’re also bombarded with gimmicks and “quick-fixes” on a daily basis. You can’t turn on the TV or radio without hearing of something regarding nutrition or weight loss. There is a lot of great advice out there, but how do we know what is necessary in terms of vitamins and supplements?

 

So overall, it seems what is necessary for one is determined more by specific needs than anything else. There are vitamins and supplements that target immunity, eye health, bone and joints, cardiovascular health, sleep aids, sexual health, urinary tract health, energy and mood stabilizers, memory and focal aids, anti-oxidants, cleansing and detoxing aids, probiotics for digestive health, hair and nail growth, prenatal care, low iron, neurological health and of course, who wouldn’t want glossy hair and soft skin? Obviously we can’t be a hypochondriac and take all of these vitamins and supplements or our urine would be glowing brighter than an 80’s mini-skirt. Taking an excess of vitamins can also lead to toxicity, especially in fat-soluble vitamins, which accumulate in the body and those containing iron.

 

According to Dr. Oz, who is a top cardiothoracic surgeon and professor at Columbia University, his daily recommendations for women are as follows:

 

• A multivitamin containing: 
• Vitamin A—Critical for healthy vision and skin 
• Vitamin B—A metabolism booster 
• Vitamin C—Keeps your immune system strong, especially important during cold and flu season 
• Vitamin D—Promotes healthy bones (and your immune system) 
• Vitamin E—For healthy development of muscles and brain function 

• Additional Vitamin D which  

         Promotes absorption of calcium and bone health 

         Boosts immune function 

         Reduces inflammation 

         Healthy neuro-muscular function 

         Protects against some forms of cancer 

 

Vitamin D can be produced naturally in the body when you are exposed to sunlight. 10-15 minutes per day will produce the amount needed by the body. If you can’t get in the sun, another good alternative is drinking fortified milk. The daily dose for women aged 0-50 is 5 mcg or 200 international units. 1 cup of fortified milk contains about 100 units of Vitamin D.

 

•  Omega 3’s--Brain, heart and eye health (women’s daily dose is 1,000 mg)

I recently purchased some Omega-3 Soft Chews from GNC that are absolutely wonderful! They taste like an orange creamcicle, with the consistency of a starburst. Each one contains 120 mg of Omega-3 fatty acid. What a great way to get your fish oil!  

 

 

 

I have not addressed other minerals and nutrients needed by our bodies, such as, calcium, potassium, fiber and magnesium, however, these are also important for our bodies. The best option would obviously be to get the recommended daily vitamins and minerals from our food alone. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean dairy, seafood, lean meats, grains, nuts and lentils is the optimal choice. Supplementing would be an option if one cannot get all their recommended nutrients through diet alone.

  

So everyone please get out there and take a walk! Not only will you be improving your cardiovascular health, but you’ll be getting your daily dose of Vitamin D as well!! God Bless and Happy Healthy “Living Under the Influence!!”