Nutrient Supplements Ensure a Heart-Healthy, Balanced Diet

The idea of taking nutrient supplements has been around since the 1930's.

Nutrient supplements are designed to supplement diets that typically do not meet all of the recommended daily allowances.

Large doses of nutrient supplements or vitamins that exceed the already established recommended daily allowance can be harmful.

Specifically, vitamin A and D in high doses is toxic.

Natural Sources of Nutrient Supplements

Adults typically do not consume enough vitamins, nutrient supplements or eat enough fruits and vegatables.

The average adult diet is deficient in vitamins A, C, E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

These problems are exactly why nutrient supplements can be so valuable.

Vitamin A is important to good eye sight and is found naturally in carrots. Vitamin C is important to strong blood vessels and is found in orange juice and green peppers.

Vitamin E is important to developing muscles and is found in almonds.

Calcium is found in dairy products and is beneficial to the development of bones.

Potassium lowers blood pressure and is found in potatoes and bananas. Beans are a good source of fiber.

A nutrient supplement should be taken for diets lacking in natural vitamins and minerals.

According to the American Dietetic Association, for optimal health and to avoid chronic diseases, it is important to eat a wide variety of foods.

Additional sources of vitamins and minerals should come from fortified foods high in vitamins and minerals and also from nutrient supplements that meet the recommended daily allowances.

Eatting a balanced diet, a variety of foods should be consumed from the major food groups, taking vitamins and adding to that with nutrient supplements to ensure proper nutrition.

Older adults can experience loss of energy, weakness, loss of bone density, slow healing, and nervous system dysfunction due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

A balanced diet is especially important to older adults and adding a vitamin and mineral supplement as a good precaution. Pregnant women should take folic acid, iron, zinc, calcium, a multi-vitamin, and mineral supplement.

To find out more about the role that nutrition plays in your health, be sure to read Insider Nutrition Secrets .

This publication reveals the secrets to good health through a diet fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Here's to your good health!