Vitamins and Supplements: What You Need To Know

Vitamins and supplements are a common occurrence in many people’s lives. They offer various health benefits and act as a dietary aid for those who cannot obtain the recommended nutrients through diet alone. Unfortunately, it is all too common for people to take vitamins and supplements without first knowing any information about them. That is why it is important to prepare yourself before consuming any medication or supplement.

Research, Research, Research

One of the best ways to determine if you actually need to take dietary supplements is to do your own thorough research with information from reputable sources. This includes the Food and Drug Administration website as well as various Medical and University websites. These reputable websites provide a slew of information about dietary supplements and can help you figure out which ones, if any, you should be taking. For example, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans found on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website recommends that people over the age of 50 should consume vitamin B12 in a crystalline form from foods or supplements. Keep in mind, however, that vitamins and supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet. And they should never be used as such.

Talk to Your Doctor

Before beginning any vitamin or supplement regime, you should consult your primary care doctor. If you have already begun taking the supplements without discussing it with your doctor, you should set up an appointment as soon as possible. Some people are under the misconception that side effects only occur with prescription medicines and that vitamins and supplements are completely safe. This just isn’t true. In fact, some dietary supplements can result in unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects when the person has a certain health condition or on a certain medication. That is why it is vital that you discuss vitamin and supplements with your doctor before taking them. He will be able to tell you if a certain dietary supplement will interact or interfere with your medications or health condition.

Where to Find High Quality Vitamins and Supplements

Once you have armed yourself with the information and recommendations from trusted sources, you can begin your search for dietary supplements. Vitamins and supplements are readily available at various department and grocery stores. However, their stock is usually limited and you may not find what you are looking for. Another option is to check out your local health food stores. Or you can visit one of the many online merchants that offer a wide array of vitamins and supplements. For example, you can find integrative therapeutics supplements at Ovitaminpro.com.