A topic that can be controversial today is that of vitamins and supplements. Some health care providers and/or studies will tout the great benefits of certain vitamins while others will say that they aren’t necessary and have no health benefits. In an environment of conflicting messages, it is hard to know what the right answer is. It is not uncommon for our chiropractic patients in Sioux Falls to ask questions about supplements at an appointment.
Can Vitamins and Supplements Help?
In my opinion, vitamins and supplements, when used properly, can have value in filling in “gaps” in a person’s diet. Many Americans don’t eat a balanced diet of whole foods such as fruits and vegetables and instead rely on heavily processed food, fast food and other fast, easier and cheap food options. If someone eats a healthy diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and clean sources of protein (such as fish and poultry), they may not need to supplement their diet.
How to Know What Vitamins and Supplements are Needed?
Sometimes it can be hard to know what kinds of supplements may be beneficial for a given person. Healthcare providers such as functional medicine provider or a primary care physician may be able to run tests to determine deficiencies in certain nutrients. Vitamin D, magnesium and B Vitamins are all things that can be tested with a blood test to determine if they are low. Other things such as the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid ratios can also be tested. Running tests and using that information to determine what nutrients are lacking is a great way to know what supplements may be helpful for any given person.
How do I Know the Vitamin or Supplement Label is Accurate?
One criticism of the supplement industry is the lack of oversight. The FDA doesn’t test or control the supplement industry and not all products are made with strict standards. I have often read stories of testing done on products that don’t contain what they claim to. Finding a high-quality supplement is essential if you are going to use supplements. A company that uses an independent company to test and verify what a supplement contains is what to look for. At our office we do sell supplement products from both Nutridyn and Metagenics companies. We do not keep a large stock on hand but do have the ability to order any of their product line in, typically quite quickly.
Our Sioux Falls Chiropractic Office
In conclusion, it is my professional opinion that high quality nutritional supplements can have benefit if the right product is used to try to help the right patient. If you have any questions about vitamins or supplements, please let us know at your next appointment. Our doctors will do their best to answer your questions to help find the best solution for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our Sioux Falls chiropractors, please contact us through our website or call us at (605) 271-5717.