To Supplement or Not to Supplement Victoria Roberts

What is a supplement?  Neither food nor drugs  Products taken orally that contain a “dietary ingredient” meant to supplement, not substitute for, healthful foods vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes and metabolites

Wyeth’s Supplements

Supplement Use in the US  Supplements are not required to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness. They are regulated as food items.  More than half of Americans take dietary supplements  $20.8 billion per year in 2005!

Why do people use supplements?

Supplement Claims True or False  Nutrient supplements can make up for poor food choices. FALSE  Nutrient supplements can make up for food grown in depleted soil.  Taking a nutrient supplement can offer immediate benefits.  If it’s herbal, its not harmful.  Supplements can prevent, treat or cure disease.  Supplements can provide me extra energy. FALSE

Beware of Quakery! Remember that quackery seldom looks outlandish. Ignore any practitioner who says that most diseases are caused by faulty nutrition or can be remedied by taking supplements. Be wary of anecdotes and testimonials. Be wary of pseudomedical jargon. Don't fall for paranoid accusations. Forget about "secret cures.” Be wary of herbal remedies. Be skeptical of any product claimed to be effective against a wide range of unrelated diseases—particularly diseases that are serious. Ignore appeals to your vanity. Don't let desperation cloud your judgment!

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RDA and AI for Vitamins

RDA and AI for Minerals

Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) for Vitamins and Minerals

How can I meet my daily needs? RiboflavinVitamin B 3 (Niacin)Vitamin C Vitamin K Vitamin EVitamin D Vitamin ACalcium Iron

Benefits of Supplementing  Most Americans do not need supplements IF they are healthy and are able and willing to eat a balanced, varied diet.  Who can benefit from supplements? Women with heavy menstrual bleeding Women who are pregnant or breast feeding Women capable of becoming pregnant Menopausal women Someone on a calorie restrictive diet (<1,600 calories/day) Vegetarian Limited dairy intake or sun exposure Someone with a health condition that affects body’s nutrient use Someone unable—or unwilling—to regularly consume a healthful diet

Risks and Pitfalls of Supplements  Most multivitamins contain safe amounts of nutrients. However, individual nutrient supplements can lead to problems. Megadoses of vitamin D: calcification of soft tissues, such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys. A surplus of vitamin A: cheilitis (cracking and inflammation of the lips), dryness of the nasal mucosa and eyes, hair loss, and, eventually, liver damage.  Possible drug interactions: Calcium and heart medicine Vitamin K and a blood thinner (e.g., Coumadin). St. John's Wort and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs (i.e., anti-depressant drugs and birth control pills).  Neglecting a healthy diet

Eat in Color!

Additional Slides

Average Intakes of Children  Studies have found that eating patterns of children reflect their eating patterns into adulthood Intakes of children 6 months to 4 years in age are generally the same 12 years later  Results from this study show trends in nutrient intakes in children and recommend preventative measures Zive, M., Taras, H., Broyles, S., Frank-Spohrer, G., & Nader, R (1995). Vitamin and mineral intakes of Anglo- American and Mexican-American preschoolers. Journal of the Dietetic Association, 95American (3),