Dietary Supplements; Are They Right For You?

Benefits And Risks Of Supplements

Most nutrients can be obtained through a well-balanced diet. However, supplements can provide additional nutrients to a diet as they are needed, or if there is an insufficiency or deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. Often, multi-vitamins will be used to provide the patient with a small dose of all of the vitamins and minerals they need, and they will get the rest from their diet.

Most supplements are safe when the instructions on the label are followed, but large doses can have been dangerous and have adverse effects. In large amounts boron, iron, and selenium can be toxic to the patient.

Supplements For Fifty Years And Older

As stated previously, patients over the age of fifty may need to use dietary supplements to get enough vitamins and minerals. Most people can get enough vitamin D by spending fifteen to thirty minutes in the sun twice a week. However, older people may not be as receptive to this and may need to use vitamin D-fortified milk products or cereals, or fatty fish to obtain enough vitamin D. Some other common supplements for those over the age of fifty include calcium, vitamin B6, and B12.