We all understand that we have to consume all the vitamins that our body requires in order to function correctly, although most of us do not know exactly what they are. We also know that it is better to get these vitamins and nutrients from our food rather than from tablets or supplements. Regrettably, this is not always possible, so sometimes we have to resort to supplements.
Some individuals resort to supplements because the food that contains the vitamins that they are lacking is difficult to get, difficult to cook or is too expensive. This is why the provision of vitamins, nutrients and supplements is such big business, being worth billions of dollars every year.
Supplements come in three different types: liquid, tablets and capsules containing liquid or solids. Naturally, it is best to make certain that the supplement dissolves in your system before it passes through you, which is why the liquid kind is thought to be the best type.
However, some individuals do not like the taste of the liquid, which is where capsules containing liquid come in. They also happen to be the most costly sort.
Some people have difficulty swallowing tablets and tablets are the form that sometimes do not entirely dissolve. Before you purchase your supplements there are a few items to check.
The first is to find out what the ‘recommended daily amount’ (RDA) of each vitamin and mineral is in your country. I say ‘in your country’ because not each country recommends the same quantities.
Then check the country of origin of the supplements. There are some countries I would not trust, but that is your choice. It is worth being aware of though. It is pointless taking a higher dose than the RDA unless your GP tells you to.
It is also not actually worth taking a great deal less unless you are truly just supplementing the vitamins in your normal food intake.
While you have worked out your needs you could go down to your local health food store to find the names and prices of manufacturers that can fulfill your requirements.
Then go back home and check Amazon and eBay for prices of the same goods. Shopping for supplements in this fashion can save you more than 50% on High Street shop prices.
If you are having difficulty working out which vitamins you should be taking ask your GP as your age, sex, degree of fitness and health can all have an effect on your requirements. One thing you must never do though is attempt to replace food with supplements.
You need both or rather you ought to take your vitamins in your food if at all possible. Vitamin supplements are merely that – supplements to food, not replacements for it. Some minerals such as essential fatty acids like Omega 3 do not have an RDA in each country, so you should take private advice on these essential fatty acids especially DHA and EPA long chain essential fatty acids from fish oil.
Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on several subjects, and is now concerned with omega 6 and omega 3. If you want to know more, please go to our web site at Omega 6 9