Although many people can get all their nutrients through their diet, others have diet restrictions or higher nutrient needs such that they would benefit from taking a supplement in addition to consuming a healthy diet. For example, someone who is lactose intolerant (meaning they have difficulty digesting milk products) may have to meet his or her calcium needs from other sources.
A calcium supplement could be an option for these individuals. Pregnant women should take an iron supplement because their increased need for this mineral is unlikely to be met through the diet alone.
A well-balanced diet and dietary supplements aren’t mutually exclusive. In some situations, they should be partnered as the best nutritional strategy for good health. Even with an abundance of foods and the availability of supplements for those who may need them, the diets of Americans and Europeans in generally aren’t as healthy as they could be. Let’s find out why this is the case.
The Take-Home Message:
A well-balanced diet will likely meet all of your nutrient needs and also provide a variety of compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases. People who cannot meet their nutrient needs through food alone may benefit from taking a supplement.
