Who Should Take Nutritional Supplements?
As a dietitian, I have recommended taking a multivitamin/mineral pill to many of my clients and readers because of either their poor food choices or their medical condition. In fact, when I was diagnosed with osteoporosis due to my family history, I began taking a calcium supplement designed for osteoporosis patients. Taking a prenatal vitamin is typically a recommendation for a pregnant woman as well as for the breastfeeding mother.
When I had my private practice, DayByDay Nutrition & was publishing my health magazines, Kentuckiana HealthFitness and Kentuckiana Healthy Woman, I recommended anyone on statins take a CoQ10 supplement.
PEOPLE WHO BENEFIT MOST
Older Adults (50+)
- Lower absorption of B12, calcium, vitamin D
- Higher risk of bone loss & muscle loss
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
- Need more folate, iron, iodine, DHA
- Supports baby’s brain & development
People with RESTRICTIVE DIETS
- Vegans/Vegetarians → B12, iron, omega-3
- Low-calorie diets → may miss key nutrients
- Food allergies/intolerances
Highly Active / Athletes
- Increased needs for:
- Protein
- Magnesium
- Electrolytes
- Recovery + performance support
People with LIMITED SUN EXPOSURE
- Indoor lifestyle or northern climates
- Often low in Vitamin D
People with CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS
- Digestive issues (poor absorption):
- IBS, Crohn’s, celiac
- Chronic illness or recovery phases
People Taking CERTAIN MEDICATIONS
- Some meds deplete nutrients:
- Antacids → B12, magnesium
- Diuretics → potassium, magnesium
- Statins → CoQ10
WHO MAY NOT NEED SUPPLEMENTS
- Healthy individuals eating a balanced, whole-food diet
- People already meeting nutrient needs through food
The Bottom Line
Eat REAL FOOD. Fill gaps, but don’t replace meals.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
- Supplements = SUPPLEMENT, not replacement
- Food first: “Eat Real Food”
- More is NOT better (risk of toxicity) for the Fat-Soluble Vitamins: ADEK.
Note: In today’s world, people don’t want to read volumes of information, so I have found using graphics & fewer words can get the points across.
I used ChatGPT for the graphics and pulling this blog together for this topic, but I also check the information carefully to ensure the health information is correct. In order to get the right answers & the development of these health blogs when using ChatGPT effectively, you must know how to pose the correct questions.
This content was generated with assistance from ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI
is a registered dietitian with a Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition. She is the Chief Blog Organizer for www.DayByDayLiving.net
Barbara worked as a research nutritionist with the military’s tri-service medical school collaborating with Department of Defense, National Health Institutes (NIH), and also United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Barbara worked as a performance nutrition consultant to Navy SEALS’ BUD/S Training Program and West Coast Navy SEAL Teams. Barbara is the former nutrition performance consultant to the University of Louisville Athletic Department. She is the author of Fast Facts on Fast Food for Fast People and High Energy Eating Sports Nutrition Workbook for Active People used by the University of Louisville, University of Tennessee Lady Vols and the Tennessee football program, the LSU basketball program, the Buffalo Bills, the Cleveland Browns and by the United States Navy SEALs.
Barbara is the former publisher of Kentuckiana HealthFitness Magazine, Kentuckiana Healthy Woman magazine and radio show host of Health News You Can Use. Barbara has over 50 years of experience in promoting healthy lifestyles to consumers. Barbara is a former runner who walks, a spinner, hiker, a pickleball player, a mother and grandmother to 13 grandchildren.
Barbara also serves on the Leadership Team for Moms for America as the Grammy Grizzlies National Group Leader. (www.momsforamerica.us).