This article shares insights on the pro's and cons of using supplements in a diet.

Written by top level Personal Trainer Steve Halls

It is strongly advised that you consult a medical practitioner before making
extensive use of supplements or before reducing use of prescribed supplements.

This article is about the sometimes controversial subject of supplements.
Some dieticians would tell you that you could get all the nutrients you need from a
well-balanced diet. On the other hand some of them would tell you that intense overfarming
has lowered the level of nutrients that are expected in food, and due to
lifestyle in general, most people would benefit from a basic multivitamin or mineral
supplement.

So, which opinion do you agree with?

Here are some views for and against supplementation:

For

• Supplements are valuable if a deficiency of a vitamin or mineral is established by someone suitably qualified.
• Supplements are valuable for people who need to improve nutritional status.
• Some people may need supplements to reduce disease risk eg postmenopausal women may wish to supplement their calcium intake to deter osteoporosis.
• Special circumstances could create a need for dietary supplements. For example, women who lose a lot of blood during menstruation each month may feel they need an iron supplement.
• Appropriate supplementation may be necessary to overcome surgery or disease to improve the body’s immune system.

Against

• Taking individual supplements can cause other imbalances.
• Toxicity - the extent and severity of supplement toxicity remains unclear.
• There are no guarantees that supplements will be effective.
• They can be expensive - some people may spend a lot of money on supplements thinking they are superior to food, and not leave enough money for the buying of real food.
• This may lead to a false sense of security regarding nutrition and problems involving disordered eating patterns.
• Supplements can’t supply energy.

So now you’re wondering what side of the fence I’m on. Sorry guys, I’m on the fence
on this one, as there are benefits to taking supplements so long as you are sure that
you cannot get the particular vitamin or mineral from food alone. Supplements are
what they say they are; they supplement a diet, they don’t replace it.

I will leave you with a fact. The body can’t store extra vitamins, so if you have had
enough through food then the extra is just discharged by the body through the urine.

The bottom line is: ALWAYS know what you’re taking and WHY.

Copyright Steve Halls 2009

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