With approximately 53 percent of Americans using nutritional supplements, according to the USDA, public health agencies, biomedical researchers and consumers continue to scrutinize the value of vitamins. The "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005" states that obtaining adequate vitamin intake from your diet is ideal. In certain circumstances, however, vitamin supplements can prove valuable in preventing or treating specific medical conditions.
Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency
The "Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010" states that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among Americans and is a health concern for both children and adults. For example, more than 90 percent of adults older than age 50 and approximately half of all adolescents do not consume adequate amounts of dietary vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements boost your daily intake of this important micronutrient, preventing the development of a deficiency or correcting an existing deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to poor bone health and may increase your risk of infections, immune system diseases, type 1 diabetes mellitus and certain types of cancer.
Prevention of Nervous System Birth Defects
Your body uses vitamin B-9, also known as folate and folic acid, to manufacture the genetic material required to produce new cells. During the first several weeks pregnancy, the rate of production of new cells is exceedingly rapid, as the baby's organs and tissues are forming. A deficiency of folate during this critical time increases the risk of failure to form a complete brain, a condition known as anencephaly, and spinal cord defects. The "Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010" notes that despite the addition of folic acid to cereals and grains, approximately one in five women of childbearing age in the United States do not consume adequate amounts of this micronutrient. If you are not consuming enough folate from your diet, a vitamin B-9 supplement can boost your intake and reduce the risk of having a baby with a nervous system birth defect should you become pregnant.
Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin Deficiency Anemias
A deficiency of vitamin B-9 or B-12 can lead to reduced production of red blood cells in your bone marrow and the development of anemia. If you are a strict vegan, you may be at risk for developing vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia because plants do not contain this vitamin. A vitamin B-12 supplement can prevent the development a deficiency. If you do develop a vitamin deficiency anemia, a supplement can correct the anemia by rapidly increasing the level of vitamin B-9 or B-12 in your system.
Treatment of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Nervous System Disorders
Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause problems with your nervous system, such as tingling of your feet, legs and hands, mild weakness, poor coordination, memory lapses, confusion and depressed mood. Vitamin B-12 supplements can reverse these symptoms if the deficiency is diagnosed early. Although rare in the United States, a chronic vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to permanent nervous system damage.
References
- "Nutrient Adequacy" in "Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010"; U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee; 2010
- "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005"; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture; 2005
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About Folic Acid
- NHS Choices: Anemia, Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Vitamin B12
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