This article needs to be addressed before it gets misconstrued. In my opinion, it is over-generalized and biased with the information given.
The quote that strikes me as humorous is, “Many experts consider taking extra vitamins and minerals unnecessary — at least for most in the Western world, where eating a healthful diet is relatively easy.” Yup, it may be available, but it sure isn’t easy, as our obesity rate continues to climb.
Yes, there are specific needs for pregnant and lactating mothers, vegetarian women and the elderly. But what about those that are under significant amounts of stress with work (or lack of), taking care of kids, insomnia, illness, etc. Lets face it…we all have stress in our lives that leads to adrenal fatigue. This lifestyle causes deficiencies in vitamins, especially C and B vitamins, and important minerals such as magnesium and zinc. We burn quickly through these nutrients and our diet for sure won’t supply us with all that we need.
Good nutritional health is directly proportional to the vitamins and minerals from our food. The nutritional content of food today is significantly different from the foods produced 70 years ago. Our soils are depleted of minerals and nutrients due to the overuse of inorganic fertilizers and erosion and farming practices that deplete these nutrients from our foods.
The other question is what type of supplements were used in this study? Were they store bought brands filled with fillers and binders that decrease the bio-availability of the active nutrients, or quality brand supplements with well backed research?
I believe most of us need some basic supplements, even if it’s just a quality multivitamin/mineral supplement. Do you eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables per day?
Vitamin and mineral supplements increase risk of death in older women – latimes.com: “”
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