The Reasons for Nutritional Supplements
In the quest for optimal health, meeting our nutritional requirements through diet alone may not suffice in our modern world. Nutritional supplements have become not just a health trend but a necessity for many. Let’s examine why incorporating supplements into your daily regimen could be crucial.
1. Filling Nutritional Gaps: Despite our best efforts, many of us still fail to meet the
recommended dietary allowances for various nutrients. This failure can be due to
many reasons, including poor dietary choices, strict dieting, or the inability to
absorb certain nutrients efficiently. A study revealed that most U.S. adults do not
meet the recommended daily levels of essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D,
calcium, and iron, often consuming excessive amounts of saturated fats,
cholesterol, and sodium instead. 1 Supplements can provide the specific nutrients
we are missing, ensuring our body gets what it needs to function optimally.
2. Quality of Produce: A lesser-known fact is that our soil is not what it used to be.
Modern agriculture, with its monoculture farming, use of synthetic fertilizers and
pesticides, tilling, and improper animal grazing, has significantly depleted the soil
of essential nutrients in U.S. farmlands. Over the years, soil depletion of
nutrients has led to fruits and vegetables that are less nutrient-dense than those
our ancestors consumed. 2 Supplements can compensate for this decline,
providing nutrients that are no longer abundant in our produce.
3. Aging and Nutrient Absorption: As we age, our bodies become less efficient at
absorbing nutrients from food. 3 Certain vitamins and minerals become crucial for
maintaining bone density, cognitive function, and overall health. Supplements
can help address these needs.
4. Rising Nutritional Needs: Stress, pollution, and illness can increase our body's need for specific nutrients. 4 For instance, during stressful times, your body consumes more significant amounts of vitamin C. Supplements offer a
concentrated source of these nutrients when we need them most.
5. Support for Athletic Lifestyles: Intense physical activity and training increases
our nutritional requirements to support energy demands, immune function,
recovery, and growth.
6. Support for Specific Health Conditions: Some health conditions can increase
the need for specific nutrients. For instance, pregnant women require more folic
acid to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects. People with dietary restrictions, like vegans, might need vitamins B 2 , Niacin (B 3 ), B 12 , D, iodine, zinc,
calcium, potassium, selenium and Omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletions (DIND):
More than half of adults 65 years and older (54%) report taking four or more
prescription drugs compared to one-third of adults 50-64 years old (32%) and
about one in ten adults aged 30-49 (13%) or age18-29 (7%).” 8 Due to
polypharmacy, individuals are at greater risk of nutrient deficiencies caused by
their medications. In one review study, Vit B12, sodium, magnesium, and
coenzyme q10 were the most commonly deficient nutrients in those on
medications for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and
neurologic conditions. 9 [Download White Paper on DIND]
What about first intervening with improved nutritional behaviour?
Case studies have shown that despite behavioural intervention only supplementation
was able to significantly boost nutrient levels and replenish levels and confer benefits to general welfare, physical performance, and immune resistance to infections.