Supplements: Are you getting what you need?

Do you really need a multi-vitamin?

Do you really need a multi-vitamin? In an ideal world, you’d eat a nutritionally balanced diet, minimize stress, exercise regularly, and enjoy plenty of sleep. But in the real world, this is often difficult. When you lack key nutrients, feel stressed or are sleep-deprived, your immune system can suffer, increasing your susceptibility to illness and fatigue. So in these circumstances yes, it makes sense to take a supplement if you cannot get the nutrients you need from your usual daily diet.

Are some people more prone to nutritional deficiencies?

Yes, some people are at a higher risk. People who may need supplements include:

• People who avoid dairy
• Vegetarians or Vegan
• Women who are pregnant
• People who are over 50 years of age
• People on certain medications for  a long period of time

Talk to your health care provider if you are in one of these categories.

What is the difference between a Multi-vitamin and other supplements?

A Multi-vitamin contains a whole spectrum of vitamins and minerals, whereas a supplement is focused on just one nutrient, or sometimes one ailment (such as joint pain etc.)

Which brand of Multi-Vitamin should I take?

Look for reputable brands, such as Centrum®, One-A-Day® or Alive®. These companies have researched what the typical patient may be lacking from his or her diet… and they have consistently shown good safety data.

Choose a multi-vitamin that is tailored to your age group if possible.

Which supplements should I consider taking?

There is no need to take a specific supplement unless you have a specific need.

Your doctor might take a blood test and let you know if you have a deficiency, such as Vitamin B12, Iron or Vitamin D…

Many prescription medicines deplete certain nutrients such as magnesium and B12. Check with your pharmacist to see if your prescription medicines will require you to take a supplement.

If you have a specific symptom, such as fatigue, stomach problems or joint pain, talk to your healthcare provider to discuss if a supplement might be worth a try.

We have included a chart of some of the most common supplements for your interest. Please be sure to stop by Kirk Pharmacy to ask if you have any further questions regarding any supplement.

Supplement Chart