Vitamin Seminar Ashley Harris Kaplan University HW499 Capstone Health & Wellness July 7, 2015

Nutritional Supplements Most nutritional supplements can be found just about anywhere you look today. Local grocery stores, health food stores, vitamin stores, etc. all carry TONS of supplements for the human body.

Nutritional Supplements You can find everything from minerals to weight lost pills. Finding the right supplement can be overwhelming. You must ask yourself the following questions: What do I need? Why do I need it? How will I know if it works?

Nutritional Supplements To regulate nutritional supplements, the Food and Drug Administration regulates how accurate labels are on supplements; assure items are produced in a quality manner; and contain impurities in the product.

Harvard Study According to Harvard Women’s Health Watch, most Americans lack essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and D (2013).

Combining Supplements With there being so many different vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbs on the market today, information can become unclear. It is extremely difficult to determine which item is right for you, whether there are side effects, complications from other medicines, etc. It is also unclear whether these herbs will improve quality of health or make it worse.

Health Benefits If taken correctly vitamins and minerals typically have a positive effect on the overall quality of life. Strengthened immune system, better vision, and strong bone growth occur. Supplements are available in the form of a pill, however, it should not replace whole grains, legumes, proteins, etc. Supplements and herbs in the form of a pill DO NOT replace a healthy diet.

Conclusion By learning all of the information necessary regarding supplements, better choices can be made as to which supplement is right for the individual. Always speak with a physician when determining which herb, vitamin, or nutritional supplement is right for you. Considering any medication interactions when taking supplements.

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References (2013). Dietary supplements:do they help or hurt. Retrieved from healthy/dietary-supplements-do-they-help-or- hurt healthy/dietary-supplements-do-they-help-or- hurt