6 MYTHS AND 1 FACT ABOUT VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Millions of Canadians take daily vitamin or mineral supplements, but do they all really need them? Let’s debunk 6 common myths about vitamin and mineral supplements.

EVERYONE SHOULD TAKE DAILY VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS TO STAY HEALTHY OR PREVENT DISEASE.

A number of vitamins and minerals are used to treat or prevent certain specific health problems, for example, folic acid for pregnant women or iron supplements for people with iron deficiency anemia.

However, research has not shown that there is any advantage for healthy people who eat well to take vitamin supplements, for example to ward off colds or avoid fatigue.

Health Canada recommends that Canadians meet all their vitamin and mineral requirements with their dietary intake alone, by eating a variety of foods that are processed as little as possible and that come from each of the food groups. It is recommended that these vitamins and minerals come from your diet, as they also come with other essential nutrients such as fibres and proteins.

I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHAT I EAT IF I TAKE VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS.

Consuming vitamin and mineral supplements doesn’t excuse a poor diet. An imbalanced diet, aside from potentially lacking essential minerals and vitamins, may also be high in fat, sugar, or salt, contributing to various health issues. Although supplements can address specific nutritional deficiencies, they cannot offset the adverse impacts of an unhealthy diet on your overall health.

PEOPLE WHO ALWAYS EAT THE SAME THING ABSOLUTELY NEED VITAMIN OR MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS.

  1. Before turning to supplements, it’s crucial to assess your diet thoroughly. Even if your diet lacks variety, as long as it encompasses all essential food groups, it might still fulfill your nutritional needs.

    A deficiency only arises when your body has completely utilized its reserves. In reality, your body stores several weeks or months’ worth of vitamin reserves. Unless your diet is significantly deficient, supplements are generally unnecessary.

    The most effective way to identify any nutritional gaps in your diet is to consult with a registered dietitian. They can offer personalized advice to ensure you meet your nutritional requirements.

    If, despite your efforts, you find that your vitamin and mineral needs are not adequately met, supplementation may be a consideration.

IF I TAKE IRON SUPPLEMENTS OR MULTIVITAMINS, IT WILL HELP ME REGAIN MY ENERGY.

Low energy is often a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle (sedentary lifestyle, stress, sleep disorder) or an accumulation of fatigue. In this case, a vitamin or iron supplement will have no incidence on your energy level.

Supplements may be recommended when lack of energy is linked to a deficiency, for example anemia caused by iron deficiency. Only a doctor can diagnose you with a deficiency and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS ARE TOTALLY HARMLESS.

While they are essential to good health, vitamin and mineral supplements are not entirely harmless. When they’re taken for too long or at a dose that’s too high, some vitamin and mineral supplements can accumulate in the body and have a harmful effect on your health. Children and older adults are especially at risk of vitamin overdose, as their organs that are responsible for processing and eliminating supplements do not always function to their fullest potential.

To avoid these situations, talk to your pharmacist.

I DON’T NEED TO ADVISE MY PHARMACIST THAT I’M TAKING VITAMIN OR MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS.

Some vitamins and minerals can either lessen or enhance the effect of certain prescription or over-the-counter medicines and may even be contraindicated if you have health problems.

If you take vitamin or mineral supplements, inform your pharmacist.