Adults have many different types of insurance – auto, homeowners, renters, life, medical, etc. Have you heard of dietary insurance? Most people have; it is called vitamins.
“Adults take multivitamins to fill nutritional gaps in their diets for nutrients they might miss in food alone,” said Deloris Gibson, MHS, RDN, CDCES, Coordinator Diabetes Quality, Registered Dietitian, Diabetes Educator at Penn Highlands DuBois Diabetes & Nutrition Wellness Center.
“Vitamins can support overall health, energy and functions such as immune support.”
According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, an estimated one-third of all adults in the United States take a multivitamin. The NIH reported that a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found multivitamin consumption is higher among women, and the highest percentage of multivitamin users is people age 60 and older.
Multivitamins are important for the body for many reasons.
First, when diets are restrictive, such as vegan or low calorie, they help ensure the intake of essential vitamins and minerals to support body functions.
Adequate vitamin consumption is necessary to help support immune health — including vitamins D, E and C, which is also a strong antioxidant. Zinc, which can be found in many multivitamins, also is great for the immune system.
A daily multivitamin can increase energy levels and improve moods as well as reduce stress and anxiety.
“Multivitamins can be a great option to supplement your eating plan, but they are not a replacement for a well-balanced diet,” said Deloris. “People should take a close look at their diets and ask themselves, ‘Do I eat as healthy as I could? What may be lacking in my diet?’”
According to Deloris, the people that benefit most from multivitamins are those with restrictive diets such as vegetarians; those with absorption issues ranging from Celiac to Irritable Bowel Syndrome; pregnant women; heavy drinkers and smokers; and those with poor diets or busy lifestyles such as those who frequently miss meals.
If you believe supplemental vitamins may be necessary, it is important to take a product designed for people of your age, sex and life stage (ex. seniors). As with any new therapy or activity related to your health and wellness, you should consult with a medical provider to assess your specific needs.
Penn Highlands Healthcare provides nutrition therapy and diabetes management to people of all ages. Specialists help educate and counsel patients on disease prevention, management and ongoing nutrition guidelines. For more information about the Diabetes and Nutrition Wellness Centers, visit www.phhealthcare.org/nutrition.
