Nutritional Supplementation

Examiner.com

The case for nutritional supplementation
by Lilian Mavridara
September 5, 2009

The case for nutritional supplementation is a sensitive topic as it is generally believed that we can obtain what we nutritiously need like vitamins and minerals from the food we eat, especially fruits and vegetables.  However, the following factors need to be taken into consideration in this discussion:

Even though it is recommended that we consume 5-9 servings of veggies and fruits per day, most people  fail to meet this requirement.  Even for those that come close, it is important to remember that soil depletion and genetically modified crops lack nutrients.  "The USDA surveyed 16,000 Americans and found that not one person obtained 100% of essential nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin E, and zinc. Similarly, children and adolescents did not obtain enough essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin C, and calcium." 

Increased pollution in air, water and food, over-prescription of drugs and increased stress levels, cause for free radical production and oxidative stress.  Knowing that oxidative stress is the main cause of low-grade inflammation and chronic degenerative diseases, there is a need for extra supply of anti-oxidants and other nutrients.  For example, to obtain the recommended 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin E every day, you would have to consume 72.6 cups of spinach or 28.8 pounds, 7.5 cups of almonds or 2.3 pounds, 3.6 cups Safflower oil or 1.7 pounds.

Our bodies are exceptionally intelligent and can function and produce what is needed.  However, our immunity and self-defense are built up by cellular nutrition and where one or more minerals, enzymes, proteins, or amino acids are missing, these functions will be affected.  In addition, people that have greater stress levels, compromised immune systems, predisposition for certain illnesses, kids, elders and pregnant women will also need extra supplementation.

The future of health lies in prevention through adopting healthy lifestyles including well balanced diet, high quality nutritional supplementation, quality water, exercise and positive outlook.