Vitamins for Vitality

People often wonder about taking vitamins. Should I bother? Are they worth the money? Which ones should I take? In order, the answers are yes, yes, and ask your chiropractor to recommend the brand best for you.

Why take vitamins at all? The purpose of supplementation is to cover all bases -- to make sure they're covered. How can you be sure your diet contains all the cofactors and trace minerals needed to make your metabolism work correctly? And what about all the antioxidants that fight free radical formation and the phyt­onutrients that seem to have so much benefit in cancer prevention?

Likewise, it would take a lot of effort to be certain that your diet contained sufficient iodine, magnesium, selenium, chromium, folate, and vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cyanocobalamin).Taking a supplement guarantees that these requirements have been met. It's simple, safe, and efficient in terms of both time and cost.

Which brand of supplementation is best? There's no right answer here, it's more of a practical decision. You'll know if a specific brand is right if you feel healthier and more energetic after taking it regularly for four to six weeks. You chiropractor will assist you by providing expert information and recommendations. There are no peer-reviewed, hard statistical data suggesting that one brand is superior. "Results" here are qualitative, not quantitative. The important point is that vitamin/mineral supplementation is necessary to ensure optimal metabolic functioning and physical well-being.

What about using specific supplements for specific things, such as taking calcium supplements after a bone-density study has revealed loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)? Is this an effective therapy? Well, in the postmenopausal setting1, if you're not exercising, the calcium you take will simply be excreted. Completely useless. On the other hand, if you are exercising or begin an exercise program, the additional calcium will be useful in providing raw material for stronger bones, built in response to the stress of exercise.

What about calcium supplementation for younger women? Again, exercise is the key to forestalling osteoporosis2. Of course, this includes taking sufficient daily calcium. The recommended daily requirement for calcium is 1000-1200 mg. So, a vitamin/mineral supplement supplies 500 mg. A cup of yogurt adds another 250 mg. A glass of skim milk or a piece of low-fat cheese adds another 250 mg. Non-dairy sources of calcium include calcium-fortified orange juice, spinach, turnips, and sardines (with the bones). So, dietary sources plus your vitamin/mineral supplements provide close to the recommended dose.

Additional calcium tablets or pills can make up the difference.

Vitamin/mineral supplements are important for busy people. Supplementation ensures a consistent, optimal dose of necessary nutrients. Balanced nutrition, in combination with regular exercise, will help provide vibrant, glowing good health3.

1Rosen CJ: Clinical practice. Postmenopausall osteoporosis. N Engl J Med 353(6):595-603, 2005
2Swanenburg J, et al: Effects of exercise and nutrition on postural balance and risk of falling in elderly people. Clin Rehabil 21(6):523-34, 2007
3Speckerr B, Vukovich M: Evidence for an interaction between exercise and nutrition for improved bone health during growth. Med Sport Sci 51:50-63, 2007

Exclusive Offer

New Patients Receive a Free Consultation

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

hours_body

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

1:30 pm-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

1:30 pm-5:30 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Our Office Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Thank you Dr. Wan for being you and teaching my about my nervous system. My beautiful spine is the temple that houses a miracle, my nervous system. I am forever grateful. Happy trails..."
    - Karen C.
  • "I have had a great experience here. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the facilities are clean. Dr. Wan cares about his patients and listens to what they have to say. He commiserates with you when things feel bad and celebrates with you when they get better. I have been going here for over a year, and I have experienced very positive changes in my body that are helping me to be the most balanced version of myself that I can be. Definitely recommend!"
    - Erin S.
  • "We recently switched to Dr. Wan and are very glad to have done so. Getting adjustments from him regularly has noticeably improved our well being. He is always friendly and positive, as is his staff. We would highly recommend this as a place to go for chiropractic."
    - Charles B.
  • "We have been going to Dr.Wan for 8 years now and he is AMAZING!! We get adjustments for ear infections, common colds, sports related symptoms, arthritis issues and just to keep us healthy overall. It’s amazing all the benefits chiropractic care can do for you and Dr.Wan is always happy to help explain the why’s and the how’s of everything so you can understand. Dr.Wan sees patients of all ages from babies, children, and adults of all ages. Dr.Wan is friendly and understanding and truly is focused on whole body wellness."
    - Tanya C.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles