Are Dietary Supplements
A Good Idea?
They’re everywhere – natural supplements that promise to improve your health and quality of life. But do they? A recent study by Danish scientists claims that taking three vitamin supplements – vitamins A, E and beta carotene – may, in fact, shorten your life. Conflicting reports on supplements are in the news almost every day. What should you do?

The first thing you should do is check with your doctor about the necessity of taking vitamin and mineral supplements, especially if you take other prescription medication. Most doctors will agree that it’s best for you to get all your vitamins and minerals from a healthy diet, but they may also recommend supplements appropriate for you and your lifestyle.

Second, examine your diet. For a week, write down everything you eat, even that handful of chocolate chips or six crackers you munched while waiting for the kids to come home from school, and even that cream you added to your coffee. Make a spreadsheet-like chart using the Food Pyramid headings of “Grains,” “Vegetables,” Fruits,” “Fats & Oils,” “Milk & Dairy Products,” and “Meats, Beans, Fish & Nuts,” and list all the foods – and amounts – that you ate. At the end of the week, you should have a good idea of the kinds of foods you’re eating. Now you’re ready to compare what you’re actually eating to what the experts say your body needs.

Go to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Web site dedicated to making a healthier you: www.MyPyramid.gov. Start exploring the site, and you’ll find ways to start eating and exercising your way to better health without the questions and fears surrounding dietary supplements.