Studies Reinforce Importance of Food as Provider of Vitamins, Nutrients

While dietary supplements can help some people meet their nutrition needs, eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods is the best way for most people to obtain the nutrients they need to be healthy and reduce their risk of chronic disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy).

Two newly published studies in the Annals of Internal Medicine, and an accompanying editorial, indicate there is no clear benefit for most healthy people to consume vitamin supplements.

“These findings support the evidence-based position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that the best nutrition-based strategy for promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic disease is to wisely choose a wide variety of foods,” says Academy spokesperson Heather Mangieri, RD. “By choosing nutrient-rich foods that provide the most nutrients per calorie, you can build a healthier life and start down a path of health and wellness. Small steps can help you create healthy habits that will benefit your health now and for the rest of your life.”

The Academy’s position on supplements also acknowledges that nutrient supplements may be necessary in special circumstances. “Additional nutrients from supplements can help some people meet their nutrition needs as specified by science-based nutrition standards such as the Dietary Reference Intakes,” Mangieri says.

The recent increase in sales of supplements may not have been accompanied by an increase in consumers’ knowledge about what they are taking, according to the Academy’s position.

“Registered dietitian nutritionists have the knowledge and experience to educate consumers on safe and appropriate selection and use of supplements,” Mangieri says.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics