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Do I need to take any supplements or vitamins?

April 12, 2006 Print This ArticleShare

Author: HyperStrike Fitness Experts

This question is too general to have a specific answer but we can offer more information.

Most people may think of protein supplements or other things like creatine monohydrate, glutamine and other amino acids etc. only as supplements. However, when referring to our diet, a supplement is any food, drink, pill, powder, or any nutrient-containing we can eat. The way in which a supplement is packaged and stored does not matter.

So if you drink Gatorade, you're taking a ‘supplement’ (i.e. there are no Gatorade trees in nature). If you take a multivitamin, you're taking a supplement. If you drink orange juice fortified with calcium, you are taking a ‘calcium' supplement.

Athletes who are eating large amounts of calories in order to meet their energy demands usually have no problem getting the needed amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. A multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is usually not needed, as long as the athlete is eating nutrient-dense food.

However, people trying to lose weight are eating fewer calories than they use, and they may need a general multi-vitamin and mineral supplement in order to meet the RDA’s requirements.

Sports bars, protein shakes and or meal-replacements can be useful when we are on the go. Athletes sometimes need them because it is difficult to achieve their energy and nutrient needs while trying to study and fit in their practice schedule. Other people may be caught up in meetings, daily chaos or the unexpected and need a quick meal to maintain proper nutrition. These types of supplements are very convenient sources of nutrients that should be used when necessary and are not for the “serious athlete only.”

There is a tremendous amount of evidence for certain supplements to be taken as prevention or treatment for certain conditions, disease or fitness enhancement.

To know if you “need” a supplement, we suggest you have a complete physical examination as well blood work performed over a series of weeks. These tests will reveal how well your body absorbs various nutrients and if any nutrients are lacking.

There is also such a thing as taking too much of a nutrient. You may get vitamin or mineral toxicity or, if you are on certain medications, drug-to-supplement interactions. Just because supplements are sold over-the-counter does not mean they are 100% safe.

The choice to use supplements is an individual decision. Hyperstrike does not “promote” supplements any more than we promote exercise equipment. If you need a supplement, then you should take it – but understand what it is and why you are taking it.

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