We all understand that we need to consume all the vitamins that our body requires in order to function correctly, although most of us do not know exactly what they are. We also know that it is better to acquire these vitamins and nutrients from our food rather than from tablets or supplements. Regrettably, this is not always feasible, so occasionally we have to resort to supplements.
Some individuals resort to supplements because the food that contains the vitamins that they are lacking is hard to come by, a problem to cook or is too expensive. This is why the provision of vitamins, nutrients and supplements is such big business, being worth billions of dollars every year.
Supplements come in three different kinds: liquid, tablets and capsules containing liquid or solids. Naturally, it is best to make sure that the supplement dissolves in your system before it passes through you, which is why the liquid form is thought to be the best sort.
However, some individuals do not like the taste of the liquid, which is where capsules containing liquid come in. They also happen to be the most costly sort.
Some people have difficulty swallowing tablets and tablets are the form that sometimes do not entirely dissolve. Before you purchase your supplements there are a few items to check.
The first is to find out what the 'recommended daily amount' (RDA) of each vitamin and mineral is in your country. I say 'in your country' because not every country recommends the same quantities.
Then check the country of origin of the supplements. There are some countries I would not trust, but that is your choice. It is worth being aware of though. It is pointless taking a higher dose than the RDA unless your GP tells you to.
It is also not really worth taking a great deal less unless you are truly just supplementing the vitamins in your regular food intake.
Whilst you have determined your needs you could go down to your local health food shop to get the names and prices of manufacturers that can fulfill your needs.
Then go back home and check Amazon and eBay for prices of the same items. Shopping for supplements in this manner can save you more than 50% on High Street shop prices.
If you are having difficulty working out which vitamins you ought to be taking ask your GP as your age, sex, level of fitness and health can all have an effect on your needs. One thing you must never do though is attempt to replace food with supplements.
You need both or rather you ought to take your vitamins in your food if at all possible. Vitamin supplements are merely that - supplements to food, not replacements for it. Some minerals such as essential fatty acids like Omega 3 do not have an RDA in each country, so you should take private advice on these essential fatty acids especially DHA and EPA long chain essential fatty acids from fish oil.
Some individuals resort to supplements because the food that contains the vitamins that they are lacking is hard to come by, a problem to cook or is too expensive. This is why the provision of vitamins, nutrients and supplements is such big business, being worth billions of dollars every year.
Supplements come in three different kinds: liquid, tablets and capsules containing liquid or solids. Naturally, it is best to make sure that the supplement dissolves in your system before it passes through you, which is why the liquid form is thought to be the best sort.
However, some individuals do not like the taste of the liquid, which is where capsules containing liquid come in. They also happen to be the most costly sort.
Some people have difficulty swallowing tablets and tablets are the form that sometimes do not entirely dissolve. Before you purchase your supplements there are a few items to check.
The first is to find out what the 'recommended daily amount' (RDA) of each vitamin and mineral is in your country. I say 'in your country' because not every country recommends the same quantities.
Then check the country of origin of the supplements. There are some countries I would not trust, but that is your choice. It is worth being aware of though. It is pointless taking a higher dose than the RDA unless your GP tells you to.
It is also not really worth taking a great deal less unless you are truly just supplementing the vitamins in your regular food intake.
Whilst you have determined your needs you could go down to your local health food shop to get the names and prices of manufacturers that can fulfill your needs.
Then go back home and check Amazon and eBay for prices of the same items. Shopping for supplements in this manner can save you more than 50% on High Street shop prices.
If you are having difficulty working out which vitamins you ought to be taking ask your GP as your age, sex, level of fitness and health can all have an effect on your needs. One thing you must never do though is attempt to replace food with supplements.
You need both or rather you ought to take your vitamins in your food if at all possible. Vitamin supplements are merely that - supplements to food, not replacements for it. Some minerals such as essential fatty acids like Omega 3 do not have an RDA in each country, so you should take private advice on these essential fatty acids especially DHA and EPA long chain essential fatty acids from fish oil.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on a number of topics, and is now concerned with omega 6 and omega 3. If you want to know more, please visit our web site at Omega 6 9