Q: Why take vitamin supplements if you are a healthy eater?
A: Supplements are good insurance. Many nutrition experts believe that you cannot get all the essential nutrients you need, especially antioxidants from food. A lot of food is grown in soil that does not have a good balance of nutrients, and if the soil does not have them, they are not going to be in the food. Plus, the produce you buy loses some of its nutrients between harvest and the time you actually eat it.
Q: Is there any one nutrient or supplement that is a must?
A: If you were only going to take one supplement, some combination of antioxidants would be it. You could take a multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains basic antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. Or take a multi supplement plus a separate antioxidant supplement.
Q: What is the most common supplement mistake people make?
A: Taking vitamins or other nutrients they do not need. Try a supplement for several months, and then ask yourself if you are feeling any better. This takes careful, systematic discipline (possibly with the help of a nutrition professional).
Q: What time of day is best to take supplements?
A: It depends on the nutrient. It is a good idea to take multivitamins after breakfast and dinner to make sure you have nutrients circulating in your system almost continuously. It is probably best to take calcium and magnesium before bed because there is evidence that the body absorbs it better at night. You should probably take other therapeutic nutrients betweeen meals or 30 to 60 minutes before eating, so food will not interfere with their absorption.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Source: Elson Haas, MD, medical director, Preventive Medical Center of Marin, CA.