Do we really need vitamins?

[renodebbie3]

I don't currently take vitamins but I think maybe a I should - I don't always get the right nutritian. My questions is do you think the body actually absorbs vitamins from a pill and if so is there any real differences between the costco/walmart brand and GNC etc?

Thanks, Debbie

 

[CurlyQ]

If you eat complete junk all the time then maybe you should think about a multivitamin but chances are you're getting the proper nutrition if your diet is varied and somewhat balanced. Concentrate on how your diet looks for a whole week, not just one day.

As a woman, you should consider a calcium supplement since it is difficult to get 1200 milligrams in a day. Viactiv calcium chews are good.

The problem with most multivitams is that they're not slow release which means they are urinated out before they have time to do anything. Beware of vitamins that claim to have over 100% of your RDA - its a waste of money since you'll be peeing it away, and you could possibly risk toxicity if your diet is already high in some of those vitamins.

Do some research on the net - fitday.com is a good site for recording your food intake and they'll put together charts, etc., showing where you stand w/ vitamins and minerals.

 

[Bobbi]

Hi, Debbie! I think you answered your own question. If you feel you could use supplementation, you're probably right. Most of the time I can rely on my diet but every now and again it needs a boost, particularly iron. I use Target prenates. I supplement Vitamin E and Selenium when I am super active, plus I get cysts and E helps that. I use fish oil for Omega 3's and to help combat depression. I'm a little hit or miss about it but I think it helps when help is needed. Curly Q makes a good point. If you ever eat highly fortified cereals and such, it can be easy to get too much. Diet is the best way to get nutrients and the availabilty of the nutrients can vary but if your diet is halfway good that shouldn't be a problem. I like to buy pharmecuetical grade supplements, particualary the fish oil. It's cleaner and less likely to cause those nasty fish burps. x(
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

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