Which is better - nutrients from foods or supplements?
I have had the pleasure of riding a number of times on the popular, long, luxurious buses on Lagos streets, called BRTs. These buses, because of the relatively cheap fare and large number of passengers sitting or standing on them, is a favorite of sales men and women. Drug traders are seen carrying and selling various types of drugs and 'all purpose' skin treatment creams, ranging from worm expellers to supplements, blood capsules to fever treatment pills. Even herbalists and traditionalists have jumped on the band wagon, finding these opportunities too good to miss. I have noticed that "Lagocians" love to patronize these 'sweet- and fast-talking' drug traders, not minding their qualifications or the authenticity of the drugs. Lagocians love purchasing these supplements, especially the multivitamin tablets and blood-building capsules. The sweetened, coloured and packaged vitamin C tablets is a favorite and commuters love to buy and chew upon it in traffic. There is nothing 'technically' wrong with this, but when these supplements replace rather than complement natural food sources of vitamins, there is a problem. As important as supplements are, they can never replace the true sources of nutrients which remains food.
Pregnant women and women who are trying to conceive are advised to take folic acid supplements and prenatal vitamins that include iron, in addition to eating foods that contain these minerals. These supplements are essential in order to get the exact required daily amount of folic acid. A deficiency can lead to the malfunction of the spine of the developing baby and anemia.
Adults aged 50 or older are advised to eat foods, as well as take supplements, rich in calcium and vitamin B12, including getting a daily dose of vitamin D from controlled sun exposure in the early hours of the morning.
If you have a medical condition that influences or affects the way your body absorbs or utilizes nutrients, then a supplement may be appropriate.
It is important you speak to your doctor or health care provider about which supplements to take and the doses that might be appropriate for you. These discussions should include possible side effects and interactions with other medications you are on.
It is always better to get your nutrients and blood-building compounds from natural foods and not supplements. Supplements are meant to fill in the nutritional gaps in your diet and not replace real food.
Your daily nutrients should be on your plate and not in a pill!
The Benefits of Foods over Supplements
Supplements weren't manufactured to replace foods or act as a substitute for whole fruits because they simply don't have all of the natural benefits and nutritional components of foods. A whole fruit, such as an apple or an orange, for example, has a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that complement each other and work together in perfect synergy in the body.
No matter the quality and cost of a supplement, it cannot provide the body with essential fibre. Whole foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, provide dietary fibre. The importance of fibre to the body cannot be overemphasized. Studies have shown that a diet rich in fibre prevents irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and reduces ones risk of developing colon cancer. Fibre-rich foods prevent weight gain by keeping you feeling full longer and eliminating bad cholesterol and fats so your body doesn't store them around your abdominal organs.
Supplements are made up of synthetic substances which might not be entirely harmless while foods contain natural protective compounds in the form of antioxidants, which protect the cells, tissues and organs from diseases.
Supplements are made up of synthetic substances which might not be entirely harmless while foods contain natural protective compounds in the form of antioxidants, which protect the cells, tissues and organs from diseases.
Who Needs Supplements?
If you are eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats regularly, then taking supplements might not be entirely necessary. However, there are some few exceptions.
Pregnant women and women who are trying to conceive are advised to take folic acid supplements and prenatal vitamins that include iron, in addition to eating foods that contain these minerals. These supplements are essential in order to get the exact required daily amount of folic acid. A deficiency can lead to the malfunction of the spine of the developing baby and anemia.
Adults aged 50 or older are advised to eat foods, as well as take supplements, rich in calcium and vitamin B12, including getting a daily dose of vitamin D from controlled sun exposure in the early hours of the morning.
If you have a medical condition that influences or affects the way your body absorbs or utilizes nutrients, then a supplement may be appropriate.
It is important you speak to your doctor or health care provider about which supplements to take and the doses that might be appropriate for you. These discussions should include possible side effects and interactions with other medications you are on.
It is always better to get your nutrients and blood-building compounds from natural foods and not supplements. Supplements are meant to fill in the nutritional gaps in your diet and not replace real food.
Your daily nutrients should be on your plate and not in a pill!
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