Pros and Cons of Taking Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

It is estimated that more than half of Americans take vitamin and mineral supplements. While vitamins and minerals are crucial for the body, supplements aren’t always as healthy as you may think they are.

Like everything in life, there are pros and cons of taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Here, we’ll look at some factors that you need to be aware of.

The Pros of Taking Supplements

Vitamin and mineral supplements can deliver a lot of benefits in the right circumstances. For those who are deficient in certain types of vitamins, alongside pregnant women, supplements can prove invaluable at boosting the health.

There are some types of minerals and vitamins that are more difficult to consume in healthy amounts naturally. Vitamin D is a great example as we get most of it from the sun’s rays. If you don’t spend a lot of time in the sun (say if you work from home, for example), you might not be getting the proper level of vitamin D that you need. So, taking a supplement would help to top up your levels, preventing you from developing a vitamin deficiency.

Supplements can also potentially help kids get the nutrients they need. A lot of children can be very fussy eaters. This can mean they simply don’t get the right level of nutrients they should. So, kids’ supplements can help parents ensure their children are getting a healthy dose of vitamins to aid their development.

These are some of the benefits you can experience when taking the right supplements.

What Are the Cons?

It’s logical to think that taking vitamin and mineral supplements can only be a good thing. After all, surely the more you have the healthier you will be. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

If you take too many vitamins and minerals, it can have a negative impact on your health. For example, too much vitamin C can lead to diarrhea and an upset stomach. Too much vitamin B6 on the other hand, can lead to a loss of feeling in the legs and arms. So, you’ll want to avoid taking too much of a particular vitamin or mineral.

There is also some risk when it comes to mixing them. If you take multiple supplements, they can interact with one another, causing a range of problems. Zinc for example, is known to impact how iron and copper are absorbed by the body.

Things to Consider

When you’re trying to decide if supplements are right for you, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. The majority of people who take supplements don’t actually need them. You also need to be careful of fake vitamin and mineral supplements, ensuring you only buy from a respected outlet.

Overall, vitamin and mineral supplements can be a great way to keep your levels topped up. However, you need to make sure you actually need the supplements and that you are taking them correctly.

Common Myths about Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

When you’re researching into the different vitamin and mineral supplements, it won’t take long to come across a few common myths. Finding reliable information can be tricky, which can make it dangerous if you follow the wrong advice.

To ensure you don’t fall victim to incorrect advice, here we’ll look at some of the most common myths about vitamin and mineral supplements.

Myth #1 – Everyone Needs to Take a Daily Multivitamin

There is a myth circulating that everyone needs to take a multivitamin to stay healthy. This isn’t true at all. In fact, some experts suggest taking multivitamins when you are fit and healthy can be more harmful.

The truth is, if you take too many vitamins and minerals, it can have a negative impact on your health. So, you should only take one if you aren’t getting enough nutrients from a balanced diet.

Myth #2 – Supplements Are Safe because They Are Natural

Perhaps the most dangerous myth surrounding supplements is that they are fully safe because they are natural. While it’s true that when taken correctly, vitamin and mineral supplements can enhance your health, if you take them incorrectly, they can cause a range of health issues.

There is also the fact that not all supplements are made equal. As the industry isn’t well regulated, you could be buying something where you have no idea what ingredients are in it. This can obviously be dangerous to your health as you don’t know what you are taking. So, you need to be very careful about where you buy the supplements.

Myth #3 – They Can Make Up for a Poor Diet

A lot of people use vitamin and mineral supplements to account for a poor diet. However, what you might not realize is that supplements aren’t as good as the real thing.

You’ll experience many more benefits from consuming vitamins and minerals in their natural form. Supplements are merely designed to help those who aren’t getting enough nutrients through their diet alone for a number of reasons. It could be down to medical issues, or they may not be able to eat certain food groups.

You should never use supplements in place of a balanced healthy diet.

Myth #4 – They Will Give You More Energy

Constant fatigue can be difficult to live with. It can also point to a condition known as anemia, often caused by a deficiency in iron. So, for those who struggle with tiredness, it’s common to assume iron supplements will help.

However, supplements will only help if the cause of your fatigue is deficiency related. Taking supplements won’t automatically give you more energy. So, it’s a good idea to get a diagnosis from your doctor before attempting to treat your fatigue with supplements.

These are some of the most common myths associated with vitamin and mineral supplements. They can offer a lot of great benefits, but they do need to be taken correctly. Always seek medical advice before adding any supplement to your diet. You should also make sure you are buying them from a reliable seller.