Vitamin And Mineral Supplements - Friend Or Foe?

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 27 Aug 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Registered dietitians know that vitamin and mineral supplements can be both harmful and helpful. Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide recommends that, in addition to healthy food choices, women who could become pregnant and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding need a multivitamin supplement containing folic acid every day. Men and women over 50 need a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU. For these population groups, the benefits are clear. However, there can also be a down-side to supplements used in excess. Dietitians of Canada has reviewed the scientific literature and weighs in on the benefits and risks of supplemental vitamins and minerals. The research grant which provided the evidence for this document was provided by the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR).

"Our aim is to raise awareness on the benefits and risks of high doses of vitamins and minerals, says Susan J. Whiting, PhD, author of the review. Our understanding of the function of nutrients now goes beyond just prevention of classical deficiency diseases to possible prevention of disease. For those people for whom vitamin and mineral supplements are needed, we want to assure them that the benefit out-weighs the risk."

The review describes the recent evidence that shows how certain supplemental vitamins and minerals have benefits to health with respect to prevention of diet-related chronic disease. And it also addresses recent evidence showing large intakes of certain vitamins and minerals can negatively impact health. For instance, supplemental folic acid or vitamin E show both benefit and harm.

Dietitians of Canada represents almost 6,000 dietitians across Canada and is committed to promoting the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition. For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating and to register to receive DC's regular nutrition updates, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website athttp:// www.dietitians.ca.

The Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR) was created in 1991 by Dietitians of Canada to support applied nutrition and dietetic research. CFDR has awarded more than $1,005,000 in grants through its annual grants competition since 1993.

The Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research