Fri, May 16 2008
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Published March 26, 2008 03:14 pm - Many people develop the routine of taking a multivitamin or other food supplements in the morning, along with whatever prescription medicines their doctor gives them. The ills of too many pills By BETTY SMITH Press special writer TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Many people develop the routine of taking a multivitamin or other food supplements in the morning, along with whatever prescription medicines their doctor gives them.
That can be a wise decision, but they also may face a danger in oversupplementing. “A good, across-the-board supplement daily is good for people,” said Heather Winn, educator for the Cherokee County Oklahoma State University Extension Service. “But never take them in the place of eating right.” The Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary supplements as well as drugs. Congress defined the term “dietary supplement” in 1994, according the FDA Web site. Dietary supplements contain dietary ingredients intended to augment the diet. They may include vitamins, minerals, herbs and other botanical products, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes and metabolites. They are placed in a special category under foods, not drugs. The FDA requires that such products be labeled dietary supplements. While dietary supplements do not require FDA approval before marketing, as do drugs, the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring these products are safe, and that any claims made about them are based on adequate evidence and are not misleading. Dietary supplements are everywhere – at the local pharmacy, grocery stores, health foods stores, discount stores, even products on convenience store counters promising more energy or other benefits. Winn said it’s not a good idea to depend on supplements to provide vitamins or minerals if your diet is lacking in some areas. “There are certain vitamins and minerals that need presence of other food to do what they are supposed to do,” she said. Calcium is one supplement many people take, especially women who hope to prevent osteoporosis. “Orange juice with fortified calcium is good, especially if they do not drink milk,” Winn said. Fortified soy milk, green leafy vegetables, and fish with edible bones also provide a source of calcium. Winn noted that many people are lactose-intolerant and can’t use milk products, so they may turn to these for calcium. She has information about what foods are high in different vitamins and minerals, and what amounts should be consumed by people in various stages of life. A pregnant woman needs different nutrition than one who is not of childbearing age or is not pregnant. Women of childbearing age also need folic acid. Children and women generally need more calcium than men; however, it’s still important for the men in your life. Winn said people over 50 generally need various forms of vitamin B12. 
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