Should I be taking supplements?
As a registered nutritional therapist, Dr Anna is often asked about supplementation, but the answer is really dependent on the person, their life stage, and their health.
The short answer is not necessarily if you follow a balanced and healthy diet. However there are some circumstances and life stages where supplements are helpful.
Diet type
Supplements can be useful to cover any nutritional gaps if you are following a specific diet. For example, a vegan or vegetarian diet may require vitamin B12 and omega-3 supplementation.
If you are intolerant to certain foods, it may be a good idea to check that your nutrition is covered while excluding those foods.
Specific times in your life or time of year
Supplementation is really important during specific life stages such as folate and vitamin D when trying to conceive and during pregnancy. Vitamin D is also essential during winter time.
Life stage
If you are older, and have trouble meeting your nutritional requirements to keep your brain, bones, and immune system strong and healthy, you may benefit from targeted high quality supplements including minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Health concerns
If you have a chronic disease, certain vitamin and minerals may be beneficial in a higher dose than that typically found in food. This is when supplementation can be really helpful.
Chronic stress
If you are chronically stressed or are experiencing anxiety, your body may have a higher requirement for vitamins and minerals. Certain supplements can be helpful to support the body during this time.
Soil nutrient depletion
Evidence also suggests that food is now not providing as much nutrition as it used to due to soil nutrient depletion. The disruption of soil microbial health by harmful farming practices, such as overuse of pesticides and over-farming, may be the cause of this decline.