Common Myths and Facts about Vitamins (Part Two)

Now that you have learned some of the common myths and facts about vitamins, are you ready to tackle some more?

Here is one that many people are quick to believe- supplements found on the shelves  in grocery stores and in health food stores  must be safe for consumers otherwise they would not be on the market. Right? Not necessarily.

To date there is no official pre-market approval needed to sell any type of supplements, whether they be vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not limit in any way the concentration or the percentage of nutrients in any supplement on the market. The one exception is that of folacin. For this reason, taking a supplement is something you do at your own risk.

Myth: Herbal supplement are natural and therefore could never cause any harm to come to an individual who took them.

Fact: There are plenty of naturally obtained substances in the world that can do harm and in large enough dosages can prove deadly. Fungus is an example of one. Nevertheless the key is to take the correct dosage to ensure safety. Don’t overdo a good thing! Vitamins can help you and are a welcome addition to a healthy lifestyle but you can damage your health permanently if you go overboard!

Myth: The consumption of vitamins can take the place of food so a person can eat less.

Fact: Vitamins and all other supplements are not miracle workers. You cannot just pop a pill and have instant good health. What most people fail to realize is that vitamins require the energy that comes from food. They need proteins, fats and carbohydrates for proper absorption. For that reason it is smart to eat a selection of foods that provide you with all of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential amino acids that you need (as well as the energy you require) and then take supplements when you are suffering from a deficit of  vitamins or minerals. In this way you get the vitamins you need the way nature intended- through your food!

Myth: For maximum absorption, vitamins should be consumed on an empty stomach.

Fact: Hold on there- back up! It is actually best to take supplements with food or at meal times. It is also wise to take smaller portions of vitamins with more than one meal as opposed to a large dosage all at once. In particular fat-soluble vitamins absorb better when there is already some fat present in the digestive system.

Now that you can separate the myths from the facts, you can approach vitamin supplements with a safe and smart approach!

Samantha

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Common Myths and Facts about Vitamins (Part One)

Common myths about vitamins are everywhere you turn, but thankfully so is the information needed to set the record straight.

Here is a common myth that can be very dangerous- has anyone ever told you that the more vitamins you consume the better it is for your health?

Yes, no, maybe?

Here is the truth- while vitamins are good for you, consuming them in high quantities can be harmful to the body. This is especially the case for the fat-soluble ones such as A, D, E and K. Don’t overdo it by any means!

Let us look at some other common myths that can easily trip you up. Always follow the trail of the facts and information as opposed to the false fallacies!

Myth: If you take vitamins then you can eat whatever you like and do not have to worry about eating a nutritious diet.

Fact: This is false- so false! Vitamins cannot replace a healthy diet and they cannot provide you with all the essential nutrients you need to be healthy. You need to consume a healthy diet each and every day. This means lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products, lean meats and seafood.

Myth: Taking vitamins means that exercise is not important.

Fact: Exercise is always important. In fact it never ceases to be important no matter how old you are. Even if you only take a 30 minute walk once a day or walk the same length of time on a treadmill, lace up your sneakers and get going! Walks are good for everyone but they are particularly good for those who have high blood pressure or are overweight.

Myth: Organic vitamins are much safer and healthier than are their synthetic counterparts.

Fact: Only you know that there is a difference between organic vitamins and synthetic ones. The body is not able to tell the difference. One advantage of organic vitamins is that the food that they come from is rich in fiber and other types of nutrients whereas the synthetic vitamins have none of that.

Myth: One of the best ways to guarantee good health for yourself and your family is to take vitamins.

Fact: Vitamins can help you if you are suffering a deficiency or if you have been sick or are in need of extra nutrients due to lack of access to healthy foods, etc. However the body does not have a lot of areas where it can store the supplements you take in. In fact a great deal of the vitamins you consume are excreted from the body fairly quickly. The most appropriate way to remain as healthy as possible and to ensure good health for your family is to eat a regular diet of healthy foods and to exercise on a consistent basis.

Continue on to part two of this post to uncover more truths and untruths about vitamins.

Samantha

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