Washington, D.C., March 6, 2015—Recent research demonstrating there are nutrient shortfalls within the U.S. adult population is a clear sign that for many Americans adequate nutrition requires options alongside admonitions to just eat healthy foods—and dietary supplements are a safe and affordable option. A recent study found nearly half of U.S. adults are not getting enough vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium—and that the nutrient inadequacy was worse in those with a higher body mass index. Additionally, the recent 2015 scientific report issued by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee identified 10 “shortfall” nutrients; that is, nutrients that are under-consumed. During National Nutrition Month (March) consumers should start seeking the counsel of their health care practitioners to assess their diets and consider the best foods and dietary supplements to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need to live a healthy life.
“Let’s make March the start of a healthy dialogue. Maintaining proper nutrition is not easy to navigate regardless of the vast amount of information online, mobile apps and trackers that help consumers take health into their own hands,” said Duffy MacKay, N.D., senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs, Council for Responsible Nutrition. “Doctors, naturopaths, nurse practitioners and registered dietitians—these are all partners in good health who understand how nutrition needs vary depending on a person’s age, gender, and many other factors.”
Dr. MacKay recommends keeping a food diary and bringing it with you to your health care practitioner appointments. Also, if you have food allergies or diet preferences, discuss where you may have shortfalls due to the foods you avoid eating. “Dietary supplements have a practical place in the realm of nutrition, and we encourage people to consider them as part of a healthy lifestyle so as to avoid the repercussions from a lifetime of nutrient insufficiencies.”
A healthy diet is just one of the many components to a healthy lifestyle—and dietary supplements are supplements to, not substitutes for, that healthy diet. It can be helpful for people to think of good health as incorporating three pillars: healthy diet, dietary supplements and exercise, along with getting enough sleep and regular visits to the doctor.