The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) is released to
provide nutrition recommendations and information for health professionals and
the public. These are revised every five years and are currently being
discussed as the 2015 guidelines are being written.
Committees for the DGA have stated that Americans do not
meet the recommended levels for vitamins A, D, E, C, folate, calcium,
magnesium, potassium, fiber, and that most women do not meet iron needs. In
turn, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CNR) is suggesting that the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans should include taking multivitamins/minerals
in order to fill nutrient gaps because these needs are not being met through
food. The CNR is composed of individuals from vitamin/mineral supplement
companies, so these recommendations are being suggested to increase the public’s
intake.
Ultimately, these suggestions cannot be universal. Each
individual’s needs are unique, and a multivitamin/mineral supplement may not be
appropriate for everyone. Seek first advice from a Registered Dietitian or your
primary care Physician who will be able to make personal recommendations for
your vitamin/mineral needs. A well balanced diet should be consumed in order to
reach your daily needs of vitamins and minerals. Taking a vitamin/mineral
supplement does not necessarily mean that your body can utilize all that it
contains. Ingesting toxic levels of certain vitamins and minerals can be
detrimental to your health as well. Just remember, more is not always better when
it comes to vitamins and minerals.
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