Do we really need nutritional supplements?

Dear Jess, I am a 62 year old woman and consider myself healthy and active.  It seems each month I read about another new supplement that is supposed to be so good for your health, but I don’t know if it is something that I need or not. Can you give me some basic information about supplements? Thank you, Sheila B.

Dear Sheila, The whole topic of nutritional supplementation is very complex, and therefore, can be quite confusing. It is, without a doubt, the number one topic that people ask me about. Because of this interest, I will be covering it in great detail over the course of the next few months. Supplement recommendations are unique to an individual based on their age, sex, health status, diet and lifestyle. Therefore it is a good idea to make an appointment with a nutritionist who can fully assess your needs before making any specific recommendations. In general, it is best to get the nutrients you need from a wholesome diet, supplementing only what is necessary.

I am posting an article that I wrote which specifically addresses your question: “Do we really need nutritional supplements“. It is a great overview about nutritional supplementation which I wrote specifically for active seniors so it will be especially relevant to you. The article first appeared the May 2006 issue of Northwest Prime Time newspaper in the greater Seattle area and is reprinted with permission from Northwest Prime Time, Bastyr University and the co-author, Debra Boutin, MS, RD, CD.

Seek health-

Jess