| Nutrients are needed for the body to be healthy. | | | | #3: Depending on what your doctor has directed, |
| And all can be obtained in the foods we eat, thus a | | | | purchase vitamins and minerals in levels of not more |
| healthy food diet is needed. But when we fail to | | | | than 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance, |
| consume some of the foods we need then vitamins | | | | the RDA. |
| and minerals may be substituted. | | | | #4: Take them with food, mealtime being a good |
| There are 13 vitamins, nine of which are water | | | | time. This will help avoid digestion problems. |
| soluble, and four that are soluble in body fat. The fat | | | | #5: When a vitamin causes any problem, stop it |
| soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. The water soluble | | | | immediately, and discuss it with your doctor. |
| vitamins are C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic | | | | Remember that vitamins can cause reactions that are |
| acid, B12, biotin, folic acid, and pyridoxine. | | | | not harmful. Niacin, for example, can cause a flush, |
| A CAUTION: Vitamins can be toxic. For example, | | | | that is not harmful. However, do not risk problems |
| vitamin D can cause kidney damage, vitamin A may | | | | from vitamins and minerals and discuss them with |
| cause liver damage, and niacin can cause heart and | | | | your doctor. You are planning to improve your health |
| liver problems. A further caution is that vitamin and | | | | and not harm it. |
| mineral directions on bottles may be wrong for you | | | | #6: Remember that you can obtain all these nutrients |
| and that could cause problems. Too much of one, or | | | | from food, thus food is the best option for daily |
| too many can also cause health problems. Also note | | | | gaining all nutrients. And the body will accept, digest, |
| that vitamin and mineral supplements are not | | | | and use those from food better, and with little or no |
| regulated by the government. Thus care is needed | | | | unwanted reactions. Your doctor or drugstore can |
| when starting or continuing a vitamin and mineral | | | | supply you with a healthy food diet. |
| regimen. | | | | #7: Keep in mind that there are those with special |
| There are vitamins for depression, to prevent | | | | needs: athletes, children, older people, and some |
| disease, for athletes and hard exercise, men and | | | | medical or health conditions. If you are one of these |
| women, and children and older adults. One can find a | | | | you do want your doctor to provide you with what |
| vitamin or mineral for about any condition or situation, | | | | you need, and in what dosage. |
| and though this is good in general, uncontrolled use | | | | The ready availability of vitamins and minerals is a |
| can be dangerous for you. Thus some tips. | | | | blessing, but abuse can be very harmful. So do not |
| #1: Check with your doctor first. He may want to | | | | take chances with your health. Determine with your |
| see what your food diet is like, so take that along. | | | | doctor what you need, the daily dosage level for |
| Knowing your health and your diet he can then | | | | you, and then purchase supplements from reliable |
| decide on what vitamins and minerals you may need, | | | | sources. When doing these things you can be on |
| or do not need. | | | | your way to better health, and having better health |
| #2: Purchase your supplements from reputable | | | | enjoy life more. |
| suppliers and sources. | | | | Have happy vitamin and mineral intake! |