There is large amount spent by the people all over the world on vitamin and mineral supplements. There is use mineral and vitamin supplements by 43 percent of adults with the highest usage among 50-65 age group. The sale of the cod liver oil and multivitamins in the vitamin and mineral products is increasing. There might be possible damage of the overdose but still its use is increasing.
Vitamins are very important required in small quantities for growth and development. The body can not manufacture these vitamins and usually these vitamins come from our diet. Some people think that there will be no need of eating anything else if you take vitamin pill by handful. It is important for the people to follow the prevailing health advice in order to take vitamin. There is powerful effect of vitamin E and C on the free radicals which are linked to the cancer and heart problems. The action of the vitamin supplements is not same as that of vitamins from food.
There is lots of vitamin C in apples which can build immune system along with many other naturally occurring chemicals like antioxidants which provide protection against cancer. You can have the effect of eating small apple of 100g equivalent to taking 1500mg of vitamin C by using mega dose supplements. There are also anti allergenic, anti inflammatory and anti viral chemicals in the apples. There is risk of hardening arteries in people with diabetes by taking vitamin C supplements.
The calcium is very good especially for teen as it provides protection against osteoporosis. The deficiency of calcium can not be fulfilled by the supplements. There is no need to take food or vitamin supplements for most of the people if they eat balanced diet. The best way to get vitamin is the healthy diet. There should be increased consumption of fruit and vegetable which are vitamin and mineral rich. There are also phytochemicals found in the fruits and vegetables which can not be put into the bottle to make a pill.
There is no need to take supplements by everybody. The people may take supplements if they eating problems due to appetite loss, dental difficulties, digestion problems or being housebound. There is need of supplements by the pregnant women as they might need 400mcg of folic acid during pregnancy. The women with very little exposure to sunlight with lack of vitamin D can take vitamin supplements. The people who never eat meat or dairy products can take vitamin B12 tablets. The malnourished people, slimmers, and people using weight loss diet can use vitamin supplements to avoid vitamin deficiencies. You can use basic and inexpensive multivitamin for nutrition and training purposes.
There can be toxic effects of mega doses of vitamins as we need not too much amount of vitamins. The fat soluble vitamins may be stored in the liver like vitamin A which can increase the toxic level and cause liver damage. There can be diarrhea with water soluble vitamins like vitamin C.
It can be necessary for most of us to take vitamin and food supplements. The people might ask for saving money and then go on the nutritious and delicious well balanced meal.