People often ask me if they should take vitamins, supplements, or herbs. The science is out with some conflicting evidence regarding the validity and necessity of using vitamins, supplements, and herbs. However, in several studies it is made apparent that vitamins, supplements, and herbs can and do help with overall health.
It's best to educate yourself about products and the purity of the vitamins you are thinking of taking. Talk with your doctor, wellness coach, or holistic practitioner about your concerns. They may have detailed information for you regarding any questions you may have. However, I caution you, not all allopathic (allopathic = doctors who were educated in the United States and practice Western medicine) doctors are given adequate education in the field of nutrition, vitamins and supplements.
A study done by the Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC in 2004, reported that 126 accredited medical schools were surveyed and this was the result of that survey:
It's best to educate yourself about products and the purity of the vitamins you are thinking of taking. Talk with your doctor, wellness coach, or holistic practitioner about your concerns. They may have detailed information for you regarding any questions you may have. However, I caution you, not all allopathic (allopathic = doctors who were educated in the United States and practice Western medicine) doctors are given adequate education in the field of nutrition, vitamins and supplements.
A study done by the Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC in 2004, reported that 126 accredited medical schools were surveyed and this was the result of that survey:
A total of 106 surveys were returned for a response rate of 84%. Ninety-nine of the 106 schools responding required some form of nutrition education; however, only 32 schools (30%) required a separate nutrition course. On average, students received 23.9 contact hours of nutrition instruction during medical school (range: 2–70 h). Only 40 schools required the minimum 25 h recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. Most instructors (88%) expressed the need for additional nutrition instruction at their institutions.
So, seek the advice of a professional when it comes to vitamins and supplementation as well as the use of herbs. It's a rarity that people become ill from vitamin, supplement or herbal use, but they can be just as dangerous as prescription medication if not carefully and thoughtfully monitored.
What Does Science Say?
The first question that people ask is if they need vitamins or supplements. In this brief video, we will explore a few studies that declare both sides of the coin.
What Does Dr. Weil Say?
Dr. Weil, a well know nutritional expert, physician, and wellness expert states that vitamins and supplements do, in fact, play a powerful role in one’s health. This video explains his stance on the issue.
When in doubt, consult a professional health care provider or someone who has studied vitamins, supplements and herbs. Be sure to ask them their qualifications on the matter before taking the advice of a practitioner you do not know.
Reference:
Adams, K. M., Lindell, K. C., Kohlmeier, M., & Zeisel, S. H. (2006). Status of nutrition education in medical schools,. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 83(4), 941S–944S.
Reference:
Adams, K. M., Lindell, K. C., Kohlmeier, M., & Zeisel, S. H. (2006). Status of nutrition education in medical schools,. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 83(4), 941S–944S.
