When it comes to deciding whether or not to take a nutrient supplement, there are several factors to consider. The Office on Women's Health (OWH) recommends that pregnant or potentially pregnant women take a prenatal supplement containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Menopausal women, on the other hand, should look for a supplement containing calcium and vitamin D to help prevent osteoporosis. It is important to check the labels of any product you are considering to make sure it is specifically designed for your age and gender.
For example, The Vitamin Shoppe brand Vthrive has bioactive multivitamins for men and women over and under 45 years of age. The next step is to evaluate your eating patterns and identify any nutrients that you may be at risk of not getting enough of. Vegans, for instance, may not consume enough vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B12 and vitamin D, which are mainly found in animal sources according to the OWH. On the other hand, do you eat enough fruits and vegetables? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only 13 percent of adults eat the recommended daily intake of fruit, while only nine percent eat enough vegetables.
This can lead to insufficient levels of essential vitamins A, C and E as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium. If you suspect you may have a calcium deficiency or hypocalcemia, it can be detected through routine blood tests. If your dietary intake is adequate but your blood levels are still low, your doctor may prescribe a calcium supplement. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine examined data from nearly 40,000 women over 19 years of age who participated in the Iowa Women's Health Study.
It found that on average, women who took supplements had a higher risk of premature death than those who did not. Multivitamins did little or nothing to protect against common cancers, cardiovascular disease or death. Dogs have evolved to use proteins and fats as their main sources of energy but they can also use carbohydrates for energy. Complex carbohydrates such as cereals are more digestible when cooked.
Nutritionists and veterinary researchers have identified that there are variations between breeds in terms of metabolism and nutrient requirements. Water-soluble vitamins are not easily stored in body tissues so if you consume them in excess they will be excreted in your urine. To ensure quality standards, look for third-party certifications from USP (United States Pharmacopoeia), NSF International or Consumer Lab on the labels of any supplements you are considering. Additionally, data showed that people who consumed adequate amounts of magnesium, zinc, vitamins A and K had a lower risk of death but only if they got those nutrients from food rather than supplements.
Consumers can use the FDA's directory to search for ingredients used in products marketed as dietary supplements. This will provide information about what the FDA has said about that ingredient as well as any action taken regarding it. Tamed dogs have adapted over thousands of years to consume the diets provided by their human companions including cooked foods. Plant-based sources such as tofu, tempeh and soy milk are good sources of protein, fiber and other key nutrients according to the Cleveland Clinic.
If you do not have a clinical deficiency of a specific nutrient taking a supplement is often unnecessary and sometimes even dangerous. For dogs that need more water or have special dietary needs canned food may be a better option than multi-purpose dog food which may not provide enough nutrients. Whatever feeding schedule you choose avoid allowing your dog to exercise strenuously after consuming a large meal especially if they eat quickly. Excessive consumption of kava has been associated with heart problems and eye irritation according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
