Vitamin and Minerals
by Bill Pearl

Taking vitamins and minerals to supplement the diet may not be a bad idea. The National Research Council which established the recommended daily allowances needed of each nutrient and claims this amount can be obtained by eating a well-balanced diet. But many nutritionist claim the council has ignored the fact that few people eat an adequate diet on a consistent basis.

Other factors they say to consider is the poorly nourished soil the foods are grown in. Food processing and storage also robs food of valuable vitamins and minerals, not to mention the nutrients lost or diminished by cooking.

As we grow older the ability for the body to digest, absorb and assimilate food becomes less efficient. This prevents a large percentage of the population from getting optimal benefit from the nutrients in food.

Studies show that the body's chemical makeup changes throughout life. With age, the amount of body fat that usually increases and the metabolic rate decreasing which resulting in a lower basal metabolism. Less food is needed to meet energy needs so the amounts of essential nutrients eaten could likely be below the desired levels. When adequate amounts of all the nutrients are not obtained the body can become unbalanced and its functions go hay-wire resulting in numerous ailments and dysfunction. Many of these unforeseen problems can be over-come with an intelligent approach to sound nutritional supplementation.

For a better understanding vitamin supplements comes in two forms, Natural and Synthetic. In most cases the body does not know the difference between natural and synthetic vitamins They can both be effective. Natural vitamins are directly extracted from plant and animal tissues but are generally very low in potency. Because of this many so-called natural vitamins are not completely natural but are a combination of both natural and synthetic nutrients called "co-natural" vitamins. Synthetic nutrients are added to increase the potency or to standardize the amount of nutrients per capsule or tablet. Synthetic vitamins and minerals come mostly from coal tar with different salt forms added to increase the stability of the nutrient.

For best results the dosage of each vitamin and mineral found in a supplement should correspond with the actual need of the person taking it. The human body is a balanced machine. If the body does not receive enough or receives too much of a particular nutrient its balance can be thrown off.

Many times too much of a nutrient has the same effect on a body function or process as too little. Here is an example: with an intake, of either too much or too little, the mineral Calcium will upset the function of the nervous and muscular systems. Too much Vitamin B6 has been known to cause nerve damage. Iodine, which is necessary to keep the thyroid in good working order, will hamper the synthesis of thyroid hormones if too much is regularly ingested.

It has been proven when too much of a particular nutrient is ingested over a long period of time it can cause considerable stress in the body. It can interfere with normal functions of the body and organs. Studies show that once a certain amount of a nutrient has produced a balance any excess can accumulate in the body and possibly cause ill affects. A further example: an excessive amount of Zinc interferes with Copper break-down which causes incomplete metabolism of Iron resulting in the loss of Iron and Copper to the liver. Taking too much of any one of the B-Complex Vitamins will result in a deficiency of the other B Vitamins.

There is little chance of this happening if a Vitamin/Mineral Supplement containing the amounts recommended by the National Academy of Sciences were taken daily. This would be within the limits with the body's natural balance and not throw you over the edge even with the additional nutrients being obtained daily from our daily food intake.

There are several guidelines that can be used in selecting a vitamin/mineral supplement for our regular diet. The first thing to consider is that obtaining all of the vitamins and minerals known to be essential for good health should be found in the product. All vitamins and minerals are interactive either directly or indirectly. All are equally valuable for there is no one nutrient more important than another. Secondly, to remain in keeping with the body's natural balance the nutrients in a daily supplement should be balanced in dosage. Not where some of the ingredients are at excessively high and others at extremely low levels. However when speaking of balance in nutrients, balance does not mean that all B Vitamins be of the same dosages. The body has different requirements for each nutrient. It is best to take them in their proper proportions.

It is best to buy vitamin/mineral supplements from a reputable manufacturer to be assured that they contain the ingredients and the dosage that are listed on the label. In the past quality has not been controlled as well as it could have been by the FDA until recently many of the product lines did not contain exactly what their labels claimed. Because of the new labeling laws that have gone into effect in May of 1994 this should no longer be as much of a problem.

Finally vitamins and minerals should not be taken on an empty stomach. They should be taken with meals unless otherwise directed by a physician. The reason being is that there are elements in food such as enzymes that help aid in the utilization of vitamins and minerals.

Considering the evidence and the benefits that can come from an intelligent dietary supplementation program it is possible that this could be the cheapest insurance policy available for better health. Especially when combined with regular exercise and healthy life-style changes.

The cost on a daily basis, one-half the price of a pack of cigarettes.