The Office of Dietary Supplements (at National Institutes of Health) states that the majority of Americans take one or more dietary supplements every day. Most Americans have Supplement Misconceptions that need to be addressed. We’d like today to address common misconceptions about vitamin and supplement use.

Vitamin Misconception: “Vitamins usage as an insurance policy to eat a poor diet.”

Reality: Although there is still much to learn about the negative effects of poor diets, it is clear that there is no way to protect yourself from them. It is best to put your health first and to eat healthy. It is, however, unrealistic to think that a multivitamin or mineral supplement can completely compensate for deficiencies caused by a cheeseburger and fries dinner. Supplementation can correct nutrient deficiencies. The diet alone cannot fulfill the Vitamin D recommendations. Moreover, The requirement of supplements for calcium are particularly for lactose-intolerant people. For those who don’t eat fatty fish regularly, omega-3 fatty acids can be extremely helpful.

Vitamin Misconception: “It doesn’t really matter when it comes to taking my vitamins.”

Realism: There are both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. It doesn’t really matter what water-soluble vitamins you take or what your body doesn’t require. Fat-soluble vitamins can only be absorbed when they are taken with fat. We recommend to take Cooper Complete vitamins with a meal. . If your breakfast is fat-free yogurt with a piece fruit, wait until lunch or dinner before you take your supplements.

Supplement Misconceptions: I can’t take vitamins, they cause nausea.

Reality: Some people experience nausea from taking vitamins on an empty stomach. Vitamins taken with some fat-rich meals should not cause stomach discomfort. Therefore, take your vitamins before you have your main meal of the day. If that doesn’t work, and you feel still uncomfortable, an alternative is to have a light snack with some crackers and cheese. If you feel differently, you can sleep through all your problems.

Supplement Misconceptions: “A little bit of a vitamin is good, but a lot is better.”

Reality: More is not necessarily better when it comes to the nutrition of your food. A deficiency in B-12 or anemia can be mask by too much folic acid. Too much iron can cause fatigue, joint pain, sexual dysfunction, headaches, and joint pain in men. We recommend that post-menopausal women and adult men take an iron-free multivitamin/mineral formulation.

The Supplement Misconceptions: “Because vitamins or supplements are purchasable over-the-counter I can assume that they won’t interact any prescribed medicines.”

Reality: There are many interactions between medications, dietary supplements, and other drugs. St. John’s Wort, for example, are often aids in treat anxiety and depression. This herb can interact with Xanax (a common medication to treat anxiety), contraceptive drugs and Warfarin. Use a drug interaction calculator to identify the medication and supplements you are using. Discuss any interactions with your primary physician if you notice them.

Supplement Misconceptions

Reality: There are many medications available to help manage blood pressure, cholesterol and other conditions. Although, omega-3 fatty acid are useful for heart health support, but are not replaceable to prescribed medication. High blood pressure can cause stroke or heart disease. Don’t try to make an already manageable situation worse with over-the-counter remedies!

The Supplement Misconception: Supplements are not the same.

Realities: Do your research. Many people believe that the short-chain omega-3 fatty oil ALA is as beneficial as long-chain omega-3 fatty oils EPA and DHA. However, ALA is not well absorbed by the body. Calcium carbonate can cause constipation if taken with calcium supplements. Calcium citrate does not need to be consumed with a meal to be absorbed. It’s worth doing some research to ensure that you are taking the right product for your needs.