The A, B, C’s of Vitamins: Simplifying the World of Dietary Supplements
Annegret Kessler, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Colorado Mountain Medical, shares her expert advice. She recommends when it comes to vitamins, instead of investing in a medicine cabinet full of supplements, focus on eating nutrient-rich foods to ensure you’re getting the recommended dose of vitamins and minerals your body needs.
“You can’t replace a healthy diet with vitamins,” she said. “Food has more redeeming and quality ingredients and components compared to individual vitamins and minerals for the healthy population.”
The “healthy population” is the key group she, and other experts, refer to in regards to nutritional intake. That includes your average 40-something-year-olds, kids, and those who may be feeling sluggish — all groups that vitamins are heavily marketed to.
“If you don’t think you’re getting the nutrients you need from food, consider consulting with your primary care provider at your next wellness visit,” advised Kessler. “And if you’re going to purchase a supplement, make sure it has the USP symbol.”
