“Should I take dietary supplements?” Many people have asked themselves this question at one point or another. The truth is there is no clear answer. Taking a multivitamin or any other dietary supplement is an individual choice defined by a variety of personal factors. In many cases, adding a dietary supplement to your established regimen may yield potential benefits. But supplements are exactly that--supplements. They are formulated to supplement your body’s intake of nutrients, and support your body in carrying out necessary functions that contribute to your general health.* 

One of the best things you can do when deciding to take supplements is to consult with a professional - either a nutritionist, a dietician, or your physician. These experts can help you determine your nutritional needs, identify your goals, and find the best ways to incorporate dietary supplements into your life. You may decide to take dietary supplements on a short-term or long-term basis. That all depends on your goals and your nutritional needs. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the potential benefits of supplements, and how you can determine the best supplements for you.*

Even when asking specifically about supplements, any expert will tell you that there is no substitute for a well-balanced diet. Healthy foods will always be the best source of essential nutrients, and should be your primary go-to for all your vitamins and minerals. Certain fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains may be rich sources of nutrients. Incorporating a wide variety of foods from different food groups is one of the healthiest ways ensure adequate intake of nutrients. 

Dietary supplements can help to “fill in the gaps” of your nutritional intake. Many studies point to evidence that suggests most Americans don’t always receive adequate amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, this can result from a poor or imbalanced diet. Other times, it can result from dietary restrictions. People following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, for instance, may not always be able to get sufficient amounts of iron or some B-vitamins that are mostly found in animal products. People with food allergies or aversions to some foods may also need to seek these nutrients from other sources. In these cases, dietary supplements may help “fill the gap”.  

There are other ways in which dietary supplements can support your nutritional intake, as well. The way you prepare foods can also have an impact on their nutritional value. Some nutrients, like vitamin C, are heat-sensitive, and many of its properties can be destroyed in the cooking process. The best food sources for vitamin C are uncooked fruits and vegetables, so if many of the vegetables in your diet are cooked, a dietary supplement containing vitamin C may be helpful.* 

Dietary supplements may also support your body’s absorption of nutrients. This can be caused by their effects on your body, or by their impact on the way certain nutrients interact with one another. Vitamin D, for instance, supports the body’s absorption of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones.

For most people, dietary supplements are a way to offset potential deficiencies in their diet, support their metabolism, or support their body’s absorption of nutrients. Various personal factors may contribute to your decision to start taking dietary supplements. Certain people, for instance, may have a higher need for a particular nutrient, and in this case, dietary supplements may help them reach a level not attained by their diet alone. 

For example, older individuals sometimes require higher levels of vitamins and minerals. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients. Some people over the age of 50 may have more dietary restrictions. Because of factors like these, dietary supplements are a way to help ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients. Women who are pregnant may also have a higher need for certain nutrients, such as folic acid (vitamin B9), as their bodies change to accommodate a developing fetus. People who do not receive a lot of sunlight may require more vitamin D.* 

Additionally, people often incorporate dietary supplements to achieve certain attainable goals. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or people with weight management goals often use dietary supplements as a way to support metabolism, support energy production in their bodies, and replenish their body’s supply of nutrients. Potassium is one example of a mineral that should be replenished after exercise, as your body may lose it when you sweat.* 

In short, food should always be your primary source of nutrients. A well-balanced diet is the best way to ensure proper nutrition. However, dietary supplements are helpful for some people. Knowing what your own body needs and assessing your personal goals is the best way to decide if supplements are right for you.

Whether derived from food or dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals alone are not enough to achieve optimal health. Instead, it is important to take a balanced approach to your health, properly balancing your dietary choices with exercise, avoidance of unhealthy habits, a positive mindset, and self-discipline.  

This is why TLS®, or Transition Lifestyle System®, approaches nutrition from an all-encompassing, lifestyle-based perspective. TLS® teaches long-term, sustainable modification of behaviors and habits that may help you to achieve personal goals for diet, fitness, or weight management.* 

When it comes to nutrition, TLS® is a program that emphasizes personalization - identifying what works best for you with regards to your diet, exercise, and even dietary supplementation. This is what we call the “triad approach”: a method for supporting metabolism and promoting overall health by increasing your body’s need for energy, and then supporting that need with adequate intake of nutrients.* 

The exercise portion of the triad approach helps to promote physical fitness by increasing your need for energy, thereby improving metabolism while also potentially burning fat and promoting muscle growth--all of which are essential to physical fitness.* 

This increase in energy requires sufficient nutrition, and that’s where a healthy, low-glycemic diet comes in, along with dietary supplementation. Targeted supplementation of specific nutrients that promote metabolism and support your body’s various processes may be incredibly helpful in attaining your health and fitness goals.*

To learn more about the TLS® lifestyle, and how to find the right nutritional supplements for you, check out the TLS® Health Guide & Journal.    

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.