Taking a vitamin supplement - NutriExpert

Taking a vitamin supplement

The body needs a number of essential vitamins to function properly and these can be taken in the form of a vitamin supplement. Most people do not eat a balanced diet and may be deficient in certain vitamins, which means they need a vitamin supplement to ensure that they are not deficient in an essential vitamin. A health care professional or dietetic technician is the best person to give advice on what vitamin supplements a person should take. It is important to seek professional advice before taking a vitamin supplement. Some vitamins can be toxic if taken in excess, and a vitamin supplement may not be appropriate if the vitamin is already present in sufficient amounts in a person's diet.

Understanding the need for a vitamin

Some people may need more types of vitamin supplements than others. Vegetarians are often deficient in certain vitamins found only in animal products, for example, and a vitamin supplement is the ideal solution to this problem. Vegetarians should be aware that some vitamin supplement manufacturing processes involve animal products and it is important that they read the labels. There are many synthetic vitamin supplements available that allow a vegetarian to take them without violating their beliefs or dietary needs.

Children often need a vitamin supplement, especially when they are very young. Many children do not eat a sufficient variety of foods in their early years and a vitamin supplement can help compensate for this natural deficiency. Breastfeeding has long been recommended as the source of all essential nutrients, but women who choose not to or cannot bottle-feed their babies may wonder if their babies need a vitamin supplement. The vast majority of infant formulas contain extra vitamins to avoid the need for a vitamin supplement. It is important to discuss any concerns about whether a baby or child needs a vitamin supplement with a health care professional to ensure that the right solution is found.

Other groups of people who may need to take a vitamin supplement include the elderly or those with certain medical conditions. The body often needs a vitamin supplement to compensate for the fact that a person is not able to consume the recommended daily intake of certain vitamins as part of their normal diet.