Here are some reasons why you may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements:

  • You’re pregnant and need to make sure you are getting specific vitamins and minerals and may not get enough from your diet. (example: folic acid)

  • You have an illness or disease that has created a deficiency of a certain vitamin or mineral. (example: celiac disease – vitamin B12)

  • You have to follow a medically necessary diet and may not be able to eat certain foods. (example: gluten-free diet for celiac disease and iron)

  • You are taking a prescribed medication that depletes or decreases your ability to absorb vitamins or minerals. (example: Thiazide diuretics and magnesium)

  • You’ve had surgery that has affected your digestive system. (example:  bariatric surgery)

  • You are a professional or elite athlete and have a specialized diet.

  • You follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

If any of these apply to you, speak to your family physician about whether you might need specific vitamin and/or mineral supplements and if so, how much.  You can also speak to your pharmacist to check on whether medications you’re taking might cause you to need a vitamin or mineral supplement or might interact with supplements you’re already taking.  If you’re able to eat a variety of foods and none of these apply to you – you may be wasting your money and taking supplements unnecessarily.

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN

Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian

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800-334-4936