- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found that more of half of U.S. adults use dietary supplements -- including multivitamins, minerals and, herbs.
- The most popular supplements are multivitamins, used by 39% of U.S. adults in 2006.
- While some supplements are helpful, supplements cannot replace proper nutrition.
- Several epidemiological studies showed there was no significant difference between people who take supplements and those who do not
- Some supplements may have side effect like prescription drugs
- Supplements are not regulated in the same way as prescription drugs
Basically, eat well. Most multivitamins won't harm you, but they cannot replace proper nutrition. I just thought it was interesting how many people take vitamins in the USA.
From all of my nutrition and nursing classes I have learned that one thing that all women of childbearing age should at least be taking 0.4 mg of folic acid a day, either through a multivitamin or a folic acid pill. If a woman is to get pregnant whether on purpose or an accident folic acid is very important in the first few weeks of pregnancy. A deficiency in folic acid can cause an increase in the risk for spina bifida. If you have already had a child with spina bifida it is suggested that a woman take 4 mg of folic acid today.
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