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Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Who Needs Them?

A diverse diet is the best way for you to get the nutrition you need. Scientists don’t know why fruits and other foods help keep you healthy. But they know the secret is found in a mix of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting compounds.

According to Kelli Yacono, DO, internal medicine specialist at Riddle Hospital, “No supplement can make up for a good diet. But vitamin and mineral supplements may give some people added insurance against disease.”

How They May Help
These people may benefit from taking certain supplements:

Women with heavy menstrual bleeding may need extra iron.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should take a multivitamin with folic acid, calcium, and iron.
People who eat a low-calorie or unbalanced diet may need a multivitamin.
People who don’t eat animal foods may need more calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. preventive health
Some older adults may need more calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

Other adults are not getting enough of the following vitamins or minerals:

Calcium protects bones. People younger than age 50 need 1,000 milligrams a day. After age 50, they need 1,200 milligrams a day.
Folate prevents birth defects and protects against heart disease. Adults need 400 micrograms a day. You can find folate in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and other foods. The synthetic form is called folic acid.

Use Caution
You can take too much of some vitamins and minerals. This can cause health problems, such as liver damage. Supplements might not mix well with medications, or they may hide health conditions, such as anemia. That’s why it’s important to always talk with a doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

Main Line Health offers nutrition counseling services at many locations in the area. Call 1-866-CALL-MLH.

Posted by Main Line Health on 2/6/2012 2:31:55 PM

Read more articles about: Nutrition, Riddle_Hospital, Women's_Health, Kelli_Yacono_DO

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Who Needs Them?

Women with heavy menstrual bleeding may need extra iron.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should take a multivitamin with folic acid, calcium, and iron.
People who eat a low-calorie or unbalanced diet may need a multivitamin.
People who don’t eat animal foods may need more calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. preventive health
Some older adults may need more calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

Other adults are not getting enough of the following vitamins or minerals:

Calcium protects bones. People younger than age 50 need 1,000 milligrams a day. After age 50, they need 1,200 milligrams a day.
Folate prevents birth defects and protects against heart disease. Adults need 400 micrograms a day. You can find folate in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and other foods. The synthetic form is called folic acid.

Posted by Main Line Health on 2/6/2012 2:31:55 PM

Read more articles about: Nutrition, Riddle_Hospital, Women's_Health, Kelli_Yacono_DO