Why supplements make sense.
Your body needs all different kinds of nutrients to work properly, and deficiencies can really muck things up. (Certain deficiencies can actually interfere with blood sugar control.)
The best way to get the nutrients you need is to eat a variety of healthy foods, including whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. The problem is, it’s hard to know if you’ve covered all the bases with food alone — even if you write down each and every thing you eat.
That’s where supplements come in. While not every nutritional supplement is a smart choice, there are a few that could give your diet a boost.
Multivitamin/mineral supplement
Most of the time, a multivitamin/mineral supplement with 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for most nutrients is all you need. Although you may find choices with more, you don’t need to go overboard. A little extra calcium and vitamin D is good for your bones, though.
Calcium
If your multi doesn’t supply all of the calcium you need, consider a calcium supplement.
Vitamin D
Some calcium supplements also provide additional Vitamin D, a nutrient that is very important for bone health.
Fiber
Getting enough fiber each day is good for you in so many ways. Among other things, fiber can help lower “bad” cholesterol, slow down your body’s absorption of carbs and aid in weight loss.
Does taking a supplement mean you can slack off on eating right? Of course not. Foods provide some forms of nutrients you can’t find in a supplement. Bottom line: Daily nutritional supplements aren’t the “building blocks” of a healthy diet — they’re more like mortar that fills in any little gaps you may have. Ask your doctor or dietitian about which supplements (and doses) are right for you.
