Leading medical journals now recommend all adults take multivitamins because most do not consume optimal amounts of vitamins by diet alone.
Both the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) have concluded that:
"Inadequate intake of several vitamins has been linked to chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis."
"Suboptimal folic acid levels, along with suboptimal levels of vitamins B6 and B12, are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects, and colon and breast cancer; low levels of vitamin D contribute to osteoporosis and bone fracture; and low levels of the antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, E and C) may increase risk for several chronic diseases."
"It appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements." A large body of research has clearly demonstrated that the nutrients found in dietary supplements reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve quality of life, and increase longevity.
Why you can’t depend on food alone for essential nutrition
Overfed and Under-nourished
The rise in consumption of fast or pre-prepared foods is flourishing. The average Australian, European and American is overfed and under-nourished. Obesity is becoming commonplace. According to a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture survey of 20,000 people, not a single person was consuming adequate levels of all the vitamins and minerals. In this study, the percentage of Americans were found to be deficient as follows:
90% in vitamin B6
75% in magnesium
68% in calcium
57% in iron
50% in vitamin A
5% in vitamin B1
41% in vitamin C
34% in vitamin
34% in vitamin B12
Food storage and transportation
All foods deteriorate as they age. This is a problem for the food industry, because many foods are shipped over great distances. Many foods are harvested green, before they are able to ripen naturally or chemicals are added to preserve foods and give them a longer shelf life.
Chemical pollution is everywhere – in our food, in our air and water. You are ingesting chemical pollution constantly, and this has been directly linked to degenerative diseases that may be complicated by poor nutritional status.
We are all genetically and biochemically unique but with some kind of genetic weakness. For example, you might have a genetic abnormality in methionine metabolism called homocystinuria (methionine is an amino acid required to make your body function).
Stress occurs when your body has a “fight or flight” response to any situation – work pressure, poor neighbours, financial, sick children - anything at all. Chronic stress produces hormones that have a long-term weakening effect on your body which accelerates the ageing process and leads to chronic degenerative disease. Supplements reduce the detrimental effects of chronic stress.
Gastro Intestinal problems
Any kind of digestive or gastrointestinal problem will diminish your absorption of vitamins, minerals, protein, essential fats, and plant substances required to maintain a healthy body. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, or Chronic Diarrhoea impedes your ability to absorb nutrients.
Heartburn, bloating after eating, burping, or gas may suggest you have an impaired ability to digest your food. If you can't digest your food, it can't be absorbed into your body. Supplementary digestive aids may be recommended.
We consume an astounding quantity of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Many drugs interact with supplements, or cause an increased need for them
Before taking supplements, always read the label. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.
Urban Fitness Solutions draw on our combined 40+ years of experience in medical settings to provide advice around appropriate diet and nutrition for your situation. We then work with qualified medical professionals (our partners in good health) to help you determine if nutritional supplements are suitable for you and how to use them safely and effectively.
If you want to build wellness rather than treat illness, nail healthy eating habits, and learn whether supplementation can support your health goals, we want to help.