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This "Consumer Update" is brought to you by the
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Vitamins are essential nutrients that contribute
to a healthy life.
Although most people get all the vitamins they need
from the foods they eat, millions of people
worldwide take supplemental vitamins as
part of their health regimen.
The body uses vitamins for several important
functions, including growth, metabolism, nerve function.
There are 13 known essential vitamins. That includes
vitamins A, D, E, and K, vitamin C, and
the B vitamins.
There are many good reasons to
consider taking vitamin supplements.
A doctor may recommend that you take them for
certain situations, for example if you eat a
vegetarian or vegan diet, or if you are planning for
pregnancy or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Supplements can be useful when they fulfill a specific
identified nutrient need that can't be met by food
or is not being met through normal food intake.
But it's really important to remember that
supplements can't displace a healthful diet.
That's the important nutritional strategy.
Develop a "vitamin strategy" that ensures
sufficient vitamin intake.
If you choose to take supplements,
consider these tips before buying one:
Think twice about chasing the latest headlines and
be wary of a "quick fix";
Take only the recommended amounts.
Some products can be harmful when consumed in
high amounts, or for a long time or with certain
other substances;
Learn to spot false claims.
If something is too good to be true,
it probably is.
For more on this and other health topics,
visit FDA.GOV/CONSUMER.