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A 42-year-old member asked:

Who needs dietary supplements?

4 doctor answers12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Wm. Marcus Spurlock
Preventive Medicine 42 years experience
Everyone!: Due to the pollutants, preservatives, microwave cooking and the age of our food when we eat it, virtually everyone should take dietary supplements to make sure we are getting enough to maintain and heal our bodies properly. Even children and babies need supplementation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Carla Enriquez
Pediatrics 52 years experience
Not everybody: People need dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, micronutrients) if their diet is poor or limited. Or if they are unable to absorb them from their diet. Excessive supplement use can be dangerous. E.G., vitamin a overuse can lead to significant brain and liver toxicity. It's best to discuss your nutrition with your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Pamela Pappas
Psychiatry 44 years experience
It depends: It depends on what supplements you mean, and what person. Probably everyone needs a good basic multivitamin to support ongoing good nutrition. Many of us are also exposed to environmental toxins, so that extra antioxidants (if the right kind!) can be protective. Some people need replenishment for specific nutritional deficiencies -- there are many different types. There's no 1 size fits all.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Stuart Hickerson
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Important: Actually if you look at USDA studies the soil is quite deplete in nutrients and has been for some time. As such I do think supplementation makes sense. Vitamin D3 during fall and winter if you live north of 40 lat. Also magnesium low for many. The type of supplement makes a difference and actually there is testing to see what you may individually need. Spectracell is one lab that does this.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Mar 9, 2020

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