 Nutrition
experts agree: the best way to stock up on vitamins and minerals
is by eating right. Popping a pill is no substitute for a balanced
diet. But if, like millions of Canadians, you decide to take
a vitamin and mineral supplement, here are some tips:
- Don’t waste your money on "natural" vitamins
— your body can’t tell the difference between synthetic
(man-made) vitamins and so-called "natural" ones,
but synthetics are usually cheaper. The exception to this
rule is vitamin E: your body absorbs the natural form better
than the synthetic version, although vitamin manufacturers
add enough synthetic vitamin E to make up for the difference
(and it’s still cheaper). Also remember that generic
and other reasonably priced brands are just as good as more
expensive ones.
- Read the label to make sure the expiry date hasn’t
passed — like foods, supplements should not be used after
their expiry dates. Look for the DIN (Drug Identification
Number) or GP (General Product) number, usually on the front
label, which shows that the product was approved by Health
Canada.
- Don’t assume that more is better. In fact, vitamins
A and D, iron, zinc and selenium can be toxic in high doses,
while others can have unpleasant or serious side effects.
Your safest bet is to look for supplements that provide no
more than the recommended daily dose of each nutrient.
- Keep supplements away from children. Those pills may look
and taste like candy to a child — but they can be deadly.
Iron supplements cause more poisoning deaths in children than
any other substance.
- Tell your doctor about all of the vitamins, minerals, and
other supplements you’re taking. Some vitamins and minerals
can interfere with certain medications.
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