If you walk down the nutritional supplement aisle of your local grocery store, you'll find rows and rows of various vitamins, all claiming they're necessary for optimal health and advertising substantial benefits for your physical functioning and general well-being. Vitamins do promote good health and should be thought of as "insurance" that helps offset an imperfect diet, according to the staff at the Cleveland Clinic. But not all vitamin supplements are right for everyone. Some supplements can be dangerous if they lead to over-consumption of particular nutrients. That's why it's crucial to seek professional guidance before taking vitamin supplements.
Step 1
Consult your doctor about vitamin supplements. All supplements carry some risk of negative side effects and interactions with certain prescription medications. Many supplements are perfectly safe and will enhance health, but it's best to be cautious and ask your doctor about them first.
Step 2
Consider a multivitamin first. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a daily multivitamin is generally appropriate for most people. It provides a reasonable amount of a wide range of nutrients and helps fill any nutritional gaps in your diet. Stick with one pill per day to avoid vitamin toxicity.
Step 3
Add extra, single-vitamin supplements if certain circumstances deem it necessary. For example, if you're a woman, your doctor may recommend you take more calcium than is available in your multivitamin. If you're elderly, a vegetarian or a vegan, you may need extra B-vitamins. And if you live in a northern clime and have limited exposure to sunshine, especially in the winter, you may need a vitamin D supplement. Your doctor can advise you regarding these extra nutritional boosts.
Step 4
Complement your vitamin use with a balanced, healthy diet. MayoClinic.com notes that the best source of vitamins is healthy, whole food. Even as you take vitamin pills, your body needs fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats to obtain fiber and certain micronutrients not available in vitamin supplements.
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