Daily Vitamins?

kellydelq

I currently do not take any but know I should. Besides a mutli vitamin, how do I know what other types I should be taking? And do you add this so your food diary?

kernel14

I didn't even realize there was a message board haha. I take prenatals and I don't log them. Prior to taking those, I went to the Vitamin Shoppe and talked to someone there. There are way too many options out there.

KaliSperaKaliSpera

If you are following a healthy and varied diet and are not suffering from any deficiencies, or are not pregnant, there is generally no need for supplements. If you do decide to take multivitamins (it can be harder to get the right nutrients when on a diet), look for one that contains no more than 100% of the recommended daily intake. When in doubt, consult your doctor.

The scientific evidence for other supplements varies greatly. Take a look at http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/play/snake-oil-supplements/ for an interactive graph, ranking supplements, their supposed benefit and the evidence for it. A lot of the time, the only thing research has shown is "promising results". In this article from the British newspaper The Daily Mail for example, the supplements discussed are not on equal footing, evidence-wise: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2150397/The-vitamin-pills-actually-work-How-supplements-work-wonders-specific-ailments.html

For more specific information, you can look at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance.htm and https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DrugHerbIndex for possible benefits of certain supplements, the degree of evidence that supports it, and most importantly: the numerous side effects (some supplements can interact with other medecine, be certain to check).

According to a large scale review of studies on over the counter weight loss supplements: "Most Weight Loss Supplements Are Not Effective" (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306131646.htm). You can expect an extra loss of between 2 and 4 pounds with the aid of fiber or green tea supplements, when taken over a period of 4-12 weeks in combination with a calorie restricted diet and regular exercise. You can read the whole study here: http://journals.humankinetics.com/ijsnem-pdf-articles?DocumentScreen=Detail&ccs=6406&cl=24712