Most people do not get enough vitamins and minerals from their food. Prevention of conditions like Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease depend, in part, on elimination of dietary deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, especially those that act as antioxidants. For example, the current recommended amount of vitamin E in medical literature is 400-800 IU per day. It would be nearly impossible to eat enough food containing Vitamin E to obtain this goal. Additionally, traditional Vitamin E in supplements is only about 25% absorbable, and many are a petroleum product. The taking of a good quality, moderate dose multivitamin makes good sense. One study found that less than 50% of women over 50 get even minimal needed amounts of many vitamins and minerals, and another recently found only 35% of children eat 3 or more servings of fruits and vegetables. Only nutritional supplementation with a good product gives adults the primary nutritional building blocks for healthy living in a form that is easily assimilated and used by the body.
- The New York Academy of Science, a traditionally conservative organization, has made the statement that we need 5-15 times the amount of antioxidants currently recommended. This is a disturbing fact, since few of us are able to eat the 7-9 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables now recommended to meet current guidelines for good nutrition. Studies show a marginally adequate micronutrient status (and this isn't even close to optimal) in 50% of all Americans, and up to 80% in the very young and very old. Optimal levels of antioxidants have been closely researched at Tufts University. Micronutrients are essential for cellular repair, immune function, to retard aging, and all other body activities.
- When taken in balance and in scientifically studied amounts, vitamin supplementation is safe, reasonable, and has many benefits. In fact, almost 95% of doctors polled take vitamins, but only 10% of them admitted to recommending them to their patients. Pick up any health magazine today to read why you need to take a multiple vitamin.
- Taking supplements is only one leg of the cornerstone to good health. You also need proper exercise and lifestyle management, a positive attitude, and a good overall diet. Certainly, strengthening one of those legs is better than having all of them weak, but its a little like wearing a seat belt so you can drive fast and run red lights. Supplementation is the key to optimal nutritional health.
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