Food Supplements & Diet

Data from the National Center for Health Statistics published in April 2011 indicate that the use of food supplements, also known as dietary supplements, is rising among American adults. While some supplements have well-established roles in human health, none can take the place of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Before adding food supplements to your daily diet, consult a qualified health care practitioner.

A Nutrient-Rich Diet

The American Dietetic Association advises that a varied, nutrient-rich diet primarily consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy lipids and fat-free milk products can provide all of the nutrients needed by the average person. Getting nutrients from your diet has advantages over taking supplements. Scientists are still identifying new nutrients in foods and learning about their roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. No pill can duplicate the rich array of nutrients found in a healthy, varied diet.

Vitamin Supplements

While cautioning that vitamin supplements are not the whole solution to good nutrition, the Harvard School of Public Health recommends that most people take a daily multivitamin and a vitamin D supplement for inexpensive nutritional insurance. Consistently eating a nutritious diet is an elusive goal for most of us, and our hectic lives may not allow for enough sun exposure for adequate amounts of vitamin D. Additionally, as people get older, it becomes more difficult for the body to absorb vitamin B-12. The school states that expensive brands of vitamins are unnecessary. Store brands are fine, as long as they have a seal of approval from the United States Pharmacopeia, or USP, an organization that sets standards for supplements.

Supplements for Disease Prevention

According to "Understanding Nutrition," a college-level textbook, the inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals is a factor in numerous diseases. Adequate amounts of folic acid, known also as vitamin B-9, can help prevent the occurrence of spina bifida, a devastating birth defect. Vitamin C and vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants, may strengthen the body's defenses against heart disease and cancer. Calcium and vitamin D are protective against osteoporosis, especially in post-menopausal women.

Supplement Risks

Even helpful food supplements may be risky if taken in excess, at the wrong time or by the wrong people. Megadoses of certain vitamins, notably vitamins A, D, E and K, can accumulate in the body's fatty tissues and cause health problems, according to Colorado State University Extension. People who face surgery or who suffer from blood disorders should avoid taking supplements without their doctor's approval, because some supplements, such as fish oil, may interfere with coagulation. The dosages listed on supplement labels may be too high for young children and the elderly, whose metabolism typically differs from the average adult. Your physician can help you determine whether the supplements you are considering are safe.