Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements What you need to know…whether it comes from a bottle or your backyard

What are Vitamins? Organic molecule found in the diet but is not carbohydrate, fat or protein Carries out metabolic function Promotes health, prevents illness Not made by our own body

Types of Vitamins A, D, E, K – Fat soluble B, C – Water soluble Fat Soluble –Stored in adipose and lipids (fats) Water Soluble –Easily absorbed and carried throughout body

What is a Mineral? Simple element found in the diet but is not carbohydrate, fat or protein Carries out structural and metabolic roles Promotes health, prevents illness Not made by our own body

Types of Minerals Major –More than 100 mg daily required Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Sulfur Trace –Less than 100 mg daily required Iron, Iodine, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Cobalt, Selenium, Molybdenum, Flouride

What are Herbals? Any herb or plant based product – tea, sachet, cooking ingredient, that is thought to hold therapeutic value Difficult to quantify efficacy of herbal supplements

Positives All can be consumed through a balanced and varied diet All offer value to overall heath –Structure –Metabolic –Immune Function

Negatives Supplemental forms may not interact the same as the dietary form in the body Risk of toxicity increases when one takes supplements Supplement form can adversely react with prescribed medications

Helpful Tips Look to a trusted health professional Research your supplements beforehand Compare products side by side

Resources The Office Of Dietary Supplements offers information on sources for each, recommended daily intakes, toxicity, deficiency, reactions, etc.. Supplement Watch offers product reviews and research (may be a fee for service)

References Long, S. & Schlenker, E.D. (2007). William’s Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy. (9 th ed.). Mosby Elsevier: St. Louis, MO