SUPPLEMENTS
To supplement OR NOT If you’re thinking about taking a supplement to help you lose or put on weight, it pays to seek expert advice. By Lynne Gidish
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he supplement industry is huge, bringing in billions of dollars around the globe annually. Weight-loss and weightgain products feature prominently on the list, and it’s easy to be sucked into the hype. But before you blindly grab something off the shelf, you need to answer the following questions, advises registered dietician Veronica Wessels: • Are you constantly tired? • Are you a vegetarian or vegan? • Do you have any health conditions? • Have you had any blood tests that have identified deficiencies? • Are you on a restrictive eating plan? • Are you falling short of your five fruits and vegetables a day? • Are you taking any medications – either acute or chronic? “If ‘yes’ is your answer to any of these, you may be lacking some essential nutrients,” explains Wessels. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to take a supplement, as this should always be the last resort. Although supplements are sometimes necessary, rather start with the food-first approach, which encourages the intake of nutrients through food sources in your diet. Remember that both losing and gaining weight take time; there’s no such thing as a quick fix or magic bullet. Always consult your Veronica Wessels health practitioner, because choosing the right product will depend on your current diet, goals, medication you’re taking, any underlying health conditions and your genetic make-up.”
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“Remember that both losing and gaining weight take time; there’s no such thing as a quick fix or magic bullet.” – Veronica Wessels
ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH
There are a number of essential nutrients – vitamins and minerals – you need in order to maintain optimal health that cannot be synthesised by your body, says registered dietician Rhodene Oberholzer. “That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your diet provides enough of these nutrients to prevent any deficiencies and possible health issues. Essential vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E, K and your B vitamins, while essential minerals include calcium, chromium, chloride, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, fluoride, manganese and molybdenum.” Oberholzer maintains that the best way to meet your daily nutrient requirements is to follow a food-first approach by eating a healthy balanced diet high in: • Fruits • Lean proteins • Vegetables • Fatty fish • Whole grains • Healthy fats found in olive oil, • Legumes nuts, seeds and avocados. THE ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTS There are, however, instances where a supplement can be beneficial or even essential. We’re living through extremely stressful and challenging times, and negative emotions can easily deplete your body’s vital nutrients through bad eating habits or other issues. “For example, if you suffer from anxiety,” says Oberholzer, “you may be deficient in magnesium, Vitamin D and B vitamins, and research has shown that taking a multivitamin with magnesium and high levels of B vitamins can significantly decrease your symptoms. While supplements Rhodene Oberholzer do play an important role, you should always consult your dietician or health practitioner for an assessment of your lifestyle, diet and medical history, and to get individualised supplement advice.”
A WORD OF CAUTION ABOUT MULTIVITAMINS
Always remember that just because it’s natural doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe – and that sometimes over-supplementing can do far more harm than good. Vitamin A, for example, is fat-soluble, which means it’s not easily excreted by your body and can end up being stored in your tissues, causing all sorts of health issues over time. “Everyone has a unique genetic make-up,” says Wessels, “so when it comes to any form of supplementation there’s no such thing as ‘one-size-fits-all’. It’s important to note that the quality and quantity of the nutrients in multivitamin supplements vary, so be sure to read the labels. Your best option is to seek professional advice before making any purchases because it’s easy to become confused or overwhelmed about the choices on offer. And don’t forget to mention any medication – both natural and prescribed – that you’re already taking to ensure they’re not contraindicated.”
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