Getting the right nutrition is essential for our health and wellbeing. It can be difficult to get all the vitamins and minerals we need from our diet alone, so many adults and children in the United States take one or more vitamins or other dietary supplements. These come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, powders, energy drinks and bars. Popular supplements include vitamins D and B12, minerals such as calcium and iron, herbs such as echinacea and garlic, and products such as glucosamine, probiotics and fish oils.
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes a recommended daily intake (RDI) of essential nutrients to help people manage their nutrition. Food labels will indicate the nutrients they contain, as well as the percentage of the RDI for each particular nutrient.
To find out which vitamins and supplements you should take, take a close look at the nutritional value of all the foods in your diet and see how close they are to the FDA-recommended RDI for each essential vitamin and mineral. If you're looking for specific supplements to help you get the nutrition you need, here are five essential ones to consider: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iron and Omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth, muscles and immune system. Vitamin B12 helps keep your red blood cells healthy and helps your body make DNA.
Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth. Iron helps your body make red blood cells. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health. These five supplements are essential for good health and may be lacking only through our diet.
Taking them in supplement form can help ensure you get all the nutrition you need. It's important to remember that dietary supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about which supplements are right for you and how much you should take. They can also help you create a balanced diet plan that meets your nutritional needs.