When his go-to multivitamin was recently discontinued, Jennifer Brewington scoured the Internet to help him find a replacement. But she wasn't interested in finding one for herself.
"I'm still confused," she said. "It's hard for a consumer like me to sift through and understand or even believe it all."
Rob Brewington, 59, admits he doesn't feel different, but he's certain the vitamins are doing their job.
"I could never say it was something noticeable," he said. "But mentally, I felt better."
the lowdown on common vitamins and mineral supplements
Multivitamin
The most common supplement taken nationwide, one-a-day multivitamins are used not only for nutritional supplementation but for prevention and treatment of disease. While many nutritionists say they can help round out a person's diet, health experts in an Office of Dietary Supplements report concluded more research is needed to determine whether they are truly effective.
Calcium
Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is essential for bone health. Post-menopausal women, vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant are most at risk for deficiencies. But too much calcium is associated with kidney problems.
Vitamin D
The "sunshine vitamin," long known for aiding the absorption of calcium and the promotion of strong bones, is the nutrient du jour. New studies say increased vitamin D may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Researchers are concerned that recommended levels are not sufficient because vitamin D is found in only a handful of foods and added to milk. But others warn more studies are necessary.
Folic Acid
Fortified in bread, pasta and flour, folic acid is a member of the B vitamin family and a synthetic form of the nutrient folate. It's universally accepted by health experts as a must for women who may become pregnant to prevent birth defects. New research, however, cautions that too much might accelerate development of precancerous growths.
Vitamin E
Found in nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified foods, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells. It was once hailed as a wonder nutrient that could help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. Studies several years ago warned that excessive vitamin E could cause increased risk of death in certain populations.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Known as fish oils, these nutrients are found in fish, organ meat, green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils. Many health experts believe American diets are too low in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development and can help prevent heart disease. Still, some experts question whether supplementation is necessary and call for more studies on its effect on specific diseases.
Source: the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health
