Diet spotlight: Vitamins and supplements


Millions of us take a whole host of vitamin and dietary supplements on a regular basis and, with an increase in usage of these by Millennials, the trend is likely to continue. Although about half of adults take a multivitamin, as well as individual supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium and omega-3, there’s still conflicting evidence about whether or how much these nutrients actually work.

Here are few supplements gaining in popularity. Before you begin taking these or any other supplements, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Lutein: This naturally occurring carotenoid, synthesized in many green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and yellow carrots, is believed to help with maintaining healthy vision. Consumers have become particularly interested in lutein in recent years due to the claim it can protect against blue-light damage from our phone and tablet screens that leads to age-related macular degeneration. Lutein is also believed to improve brain and skin health.

CBD: Cannabidiol from hemp plants – from which marijuana is also derived – is also gaining popularity, in spite of whether CBD products are legal in many jurisdictions. CBD oils are believed to offer significant pain relief, combat anxiety and reduce the risk of diabetes – although many of these claims will take years to confirm scientifically.

Elderberry: As it continues growing in popularity, this flowering plant rich in flavonoids has begun crowding out two other longstanding immune-support supplements – vitamin C and echinacea. A shortage of flu medication last year shined a stronger spotlight on elderberry cold syrups and other products. It’s also believed to help with bladder and urinary tract infections, allergies and digestive health.

Collagen: The most abundant protein in your body, collagen gives shape to your skin, bones, muscles and other connective tissues. Because your body produces less of it as you get older, it’s popularity has increased as Baby Boomers look to reduce wrinkles, ease joint pain and stay healthy and active people search for ways to reduce joint wear and tear.

What nutritional supplements do you take regularly and swear by? Share your suggestions with the Shop Talk blog community forum!

 

Did you know? Turmeric

Turmeric, a commonly used spice in Indian curry, is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant and is believed to help prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer – as well as reduce symptoms of arthritis and depression. Some health professionals deem it a fad like kale but you can incorporate it in a smoothie or curry.

56 thoughts on “Diet spotlight: Vitamins and supplements

  1. I’ve been using tumeric, but can’t say that it’s done anything for me, even after 90 days. I use elderberry when I’m sick and a neti pot when I have a cold. I also tried CBD, also with no results.

  2. I take a lot of stuff. I don’t swear anything works. All I know is I managed to overcome a lot of “issues” and I am probably the healthest I’ve been since I was a child.

  3. I gave up most dairy products and my Rheumatologist wanted to test me because he believed my vitamin D levels were causing me to have more inflammation from the RA arthritis. I passed the test with flying colors! So that means my vitamin D supplements are helping. I use Tumeric daily to reduce inflammation. It has a strong taste if you can get the fresh powdered form but it really compliments chicken. I use collagen and also gelatin from the health food store. I passed my physical with all good results. Except for the fact that I still have RA. These supplements plus vitamins help keep my inflammation down so I can do at least 2 things a day!

  4. With all of the different types of supplements I think people should read the bottles carefully for the active ingredients and the inactive ingredient and also maybe research possible side effects before taking anything. It may save you time, money and possible discomfort. I would like to know if there is any way to be tested to see what your body may be lacking???

  5. Only vitamins I buy are CRANBERRY
    42
    00 has Cranberry for urinary tract also Vitamin D3 fir PBC disease. I buy from Puritan’s pride.

  6. I haven’t been talking any supplements lately. I used to take a woman’s multivitamin every day, which I should probably get back to doing.
    I think I’d like to try the turmeric and collagen supplements. If they actually have these good benefits to them, it certainly couldn’t hurt.

  7. The vitamin industry is a multibillion dollar industry. It has been proven you do not need to buy vitamins, unless you have a known deficiency. If you do not have a known deficiency, save your money. Your body will take what is needed and your body will rid itself of anything else. Vitamins go in and then out with no proven advantage that you need vitamins daily. The inventor of vitamins was a complete nut. More and more studies are showing how unnecessary these products are for your health. Fish oil for heart disease,what a scam that turned out to be. Advice do the research if you do not believe and you will see how ridiculous it is for you to waste your money!!!

  8. I use Tumeric from time to time. It has a suttle taste so it’s fairly easy to hide in some foods so that you can reap its benefits as often as possible.

  9. I have been taking a multi-vitamin and Bacopa (for my memory) for the past 3 years. It has helped me with my memory and the brain fog has been reduced by limiting my gluten.
    I am interested in the collagen and lutein, but I will need to do more research before I start taking more supplements.

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