Do I Need Nutritional Supplements?

What is a nutritional supplement?

A nutritional supplement is a vitamin, mineral or herb that you take to improve your health or wellness. Vitamins and minerals, also called micronutrients, nourish your body and help to keep you healthy.

Should I take supplements?

You can get most of your micronutrients by eating a variety of foods in your daily diet. People who may need to take a multivitamin or supplement include:

• Vegetarians who do not eat any animal products (vegans)

• Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding

• Women who experience heavy menstrual periods

• Women who have gone through menopause

• People who have had gastric bypass surgery for weight loss

• People who have a medical condition that affects the way their body digests food, such as gastrointestinal diseases, lactose intolerance or food allergies

• People who have diseases of the stomach, liver, pancreas or gall bladder

What about Herbal supplements?

Although herbs have been taken for many years, some herbal supplements may not be pure. They might contain other unlisted ingredients that could be toxic and make you sick.

Tips for taking supplements:

• Talk to your doctor before you begin taking any dietary supplement

• Do not take more than the dosage recommended on the label, unless your doctor tells you to

• Read the ingredient list to make sure you know what else is in the supplement

• Just because a supplement is advertised as “natural” doesn’t mean its safe

• Be sure your doctor knows about all the supplements you take; they can interact with some medicines