Tuesday, September 22, 2015


Good Morning

Fall is on its way bringing cooler and shorter days. I was in Virginia this weekend where the leaves had already turned and there were some spectacular views with all the gorgeous colors, it won't be long before the leaves begin to turn in Greensboro and we get to enjoy those views as well.

Today's topic is supplements, the dietary supplement industry rakes in more than 36 billion a year- about 60 percent of adults aged 60 or older take at least one every day. But are you taking them the right way?

Folate
You may be consuming more folate than you realize which can indirectly affect your energy, appetite and concentration. Grain manufacturers were required in 1998 to fortify cereal and other products with folate to reduce the risk of neural birth defects in developing babies. Folate can interfere with levels of B12, a nutrient required required to create red blood cells and regulate neurological function and a deficiency of B12 can lead to anemia.

Vitamin K
If you take blood thinners such as Coumadin or Warfarin you need to watch your intake of vitamin K, too little can cause bleeding too much can cause clotting. The advice given is against altering your diet too drastically, you may want to consult with your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner, before drastically altering the amount of leafy greens you eat.

Vitamin E
A study done in 2011 found that men who took 400IU of vitamin E were 17% more likely to get prostate cancer.The RDA of vitamin E is 22IU - this is a safe amount to protect your cells from free radicals and boost you immune system.

Beta Carotene
A cautionary note to smokers; in a study done in 1994, 30,000 male smokers aged 50-69, have shown that high doses of beta carotene correspond to to an increased risk of lung cancer. It is recommend that people who smoke or used too, shouldn't take extra beta carotene. There is a great difference in consuming vitamin A through foods and through supplements.

Calcium
While clinical trials have yet to prove that taking calcium supplements increases your risk of heart attack, the amounts taken for bone health may potentially be detrimental to heart health. It is always advised to take supplements in the proper amounts and with the guidance of a health professional.

If you enjoyed this topic, share it with a friend or colleague.

No comments:

Post a Comment