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Nutritional Supplements
INTRODUCTION
Do you need to take vitamins or minerals? Over 100 million Americans feel they do. The average American diet has been shown to be inadequate in nutritional value (see table below).
| Percentage of Americans Achieving 100% of the RDA for the Following Nutrients |
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| Vitamin A | 44.7% | Riboflavin
(B-2) | 69.7% |
| Vitamin E | 32.3% | Niacin | 73.4% |
| Vitamin C | 63.5% | Pyridoxine
(B-6) | 45.7% |
| Folate | 65.8% | Vitamin B-12 | 83.3% |
Thiamine
(B-1) | 68.5% |
As you can see there is a lot of room for improvement. A recent study showed that 9-11% of menstruating women also suffer from iron deficiency anemia. The best way to overcome these deficiencies is to improve your diet. This is a tall order for many who can't find the time to eat three nutritious meals a day. Postmenopausal women have an increased need for calcium and vitamin D as well.
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MULTIPLE VITAMINS and MINERALS
Most women take a combination multiple vitamin and mineral supplement as an "insurance policy" against possible deficiency. As we saw in the above table for many Americans there IS a deficiency. A preparation containing the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is considered an absolute minimum. The RDA is the United States Department of Agriculture's recommendation, some call it "minimum wage" nutrition, but it is a good place to start.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidation. Oxidation is the process that turns the newspaper yellow and the sliced apple brown. Oxidation also contributes to the breakdown of our bodies as we age, and has been linked to heart disease ad cancer. Free radicals are compounds associated with oxidation in our bodies. Antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, selenium and bea-carotene help protect against free radical damage.
SEE ALSO
Herb Database
Good Foods Glossary
References : 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109.
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