WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS? Susan Ross, NP
I have answered this question many times in the last 15 years as a nurse practitioner. Some of my patients are taking supplements daily but the dose is usually too low or the quality is poor, so they are wasting their money. The information I will provide today is based on research and clinical trials over the course of many years. Consumer Laboratory has conducted extensive evaluations of all supplements available in the market today. They provide purity levels, details of lead contamination, how long it takes for the product to dissolve in the stomach, as well as product labeling accuracy. Their recommendations are based on the best quality for the best price. I also follow research from Mayo Clinic, Usana, doterra, and Swanson Vitamins. These companies have scientists, medical doctors, Registered Dieticians and other health care professionals who study nutraceutical risks and benefits in order to ensure accuracy of information available for consumers. I believe in taking supplements because the soil has been depleted of nutrients for many years; also, genetically modified foods are harmful to our bodies and many times, foods are not fresh when frozen or canned. Don’t forget about the pesticides and herbicides that are applied to plants & then become part of the foods. We need supplements to replace lost nutrients
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and to act as antioxidants to protect us from disease causing toxic substances we ingest daily. Let’s talk about two vitamins which are critical to our health today. The first one is vitamin D3. Why do we need it and why are our levels so low? Vitamin D is a hormone that is produced from cholesterol when skin is exposed to the sun for 10-15 minutes. Since most of us don’t spend time in the sun or we are always covered up or wearing sunscreen while outdoors, the risk of deficiency is high. Vitamin D3 deficiency leads to increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. Studies have proven that adequate vitamin D levels protects endothelial cells, improves nitric oxide levels and lowers toxic levels of peroxynitrite which causes cell damage and cell death. Normal vitamin D3 levels supports bone and tooth mineralization and growth along with improving muscle strength and coordination. Vitamin D3 also promotes robust and balanced immune function, increases calcium absorption and balance. More details about the biochemical reactions is available from the sites listed above. We need to take supplements in doses high enough to provide for all the functions previously discussed. I
