Our bodies have naturally evolved to extract the vitamins and minerals from consumed foods to help develop cells, regulate hormones, and allow for the basic functions we so take for granted every day. As fast food and less than ideal dietary choices flood the market, many people are unable to get the vitamins and minerals they need naturally. Thankfully, doctors and dieticians are able to evaluate one’s diet and body to determine what supplements your body should be receiving.
MultiVitamin/Mineral Supplements in America
Americans first started taking multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements as early as the 1940 when they first became available. Today, MVMs remain a popular dietary supplement for children and adults alike — more than one-third of all Americans regularly take a supplement. Those Americans that are trying to promote weight loss frequently depend on metabolic health products to increase their metabolism and burn fat; many have found great success when partnered with exercise and a balanced diet. Statistics show that sales of dietary supplements in the United States totaled an estimated $36.7 billion in 2014 — this amount included $14.3 billion for all vitamin and mineral supplements, of which $5.7 billion was accumulated through MVMs.
Adult Vitamins
Chances are, there is some area of your health that could use a boost. The Institute of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences, recommends that adolescents between the ages of 13 and 30 should get at least 1,300 milligrams of calcium per day; unfortunately less than half of adolescents meet this recommendation. Many doctors recommend that those patients that participate in a vegetarian diet take supplements to account for the absence of meet in their diets — a recently released “Vegetarianism in America” study, published by the Vegetarian Times, shows that around 3.2% of adults, or 7.3 million individuals, follow a vegetarian based diet and .5% are vegans who consume no animal products at all. Since adults ought to consume a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day, it is unlikely that vegetarians and vegans are meeting the 58 gram recommendation for a 160 pound adult according to the Institute of Medicine. By taking dietary supplements, adults are able to pursue the diet of their choice without compromising their health.
Improving Energy With Hormone Balance Supplements
Many men and women alike suffer from hormone imbalances which can effect the body on a physiological level. Women who become estrogen-dependent are particularly susceptible to symptoms that effect everything from mood to body aches and cramps. Women that suffer from hormone imbalances may suffer from unexpected weight gain and a loss of muscle; there is typically a large fat buildup in the stomach area. Many women have remarked on suffering from a decreased sex drive on top of chronic fatigue. Some women even suffer from psychological stress in the form of increased anxiety, irritability, and even depression. A decrease in estrogen supplies can also cause digestive problems, as well as bizarre cravings. In order to correct these symptoms, many doctors recommend hormone support supplements to help the body regulate the balance of these hormones. These supplements for menopause may be recommended for women from ages of 45 to 50, but some younger and older cases are not uncommon. Hormone balance supplements can help regulate the body and promote better physical and emotional health; always consult with a doctor before starting hormone balance supplements.