My Complete Nutritionist has a robust virtual office working with people around the world. Christine Wokowsky, BCHN, CGP is a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Gluten Practitioner. She specializes in root cause resolution of conditions and disease helping people to realize their optimal health potential. She is the author of the book, Radiant Detox, Your 21 Day Gateway to Vitality.

THE CASE FOR NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

There is a report card for the American people the USDA has put out called the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Fewer than 50% of the population met the dietary recommendations scoring the lowest on fruit, vegetable and dairy consumption. In the typical American diet, research from various scientific journals show that most people fail to get enough of the essential nutrients:


Calcium: More than 50% of Americans consume inadequate amounts
Copper: Typical western diet intake is considerably lower than the recommended 2-3 mg
Folic Acid: The RDA is 400 mcg, the average American consumes 242 mcg
Iron: Most prevalent nutritional deficiency
Magnesium: It has been estimated that 80% Americans are deficient in this critical mineral responsible for over 300 metabolic pathways
Niacin: One-third of the population consumes less than the RDA
Vitamin A: At least 20% of the population receives less than 70% of the RDA
Vitamin B6: 71% of males and 90% of females consumed less than the RDA
Vitamin E: The median intakes are considerably lower than the RDA
Zinc: Commonly found to be inadequate in the Western diet

The Journal of American Medical Association states:
“Most people do not consume an optimal amount of vitamins by diet alone. Pending strong evidence of effectiveness from randomized trials, it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements.”

In the United States, roughly 5-10% of people older than 60 have clinical findings associated with vitamin deficiency. Overt nutrient deficiencies are only the tip of the iceberg. Marginal deficiencies appear to be far more widespread and can cause a variety of nonspecific symptoms while they weaken the body’s defenses against serious illnesses.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) does not take into account the effects of lifestyle (stress, smoking, environmental toxins, etc.) nor do they consider nutritional needs associated with other disease processes. In today’s world, the RDA is equivalent to minimum wage. They are probably high enough to keep you alive-although even this is open to question. But they do not appear high enough to allow you to enjoy the best quality of life.


CONCLUSION
Research clearly demonstrates a need for dietary supplements. We are not getting sufficient amounts of all the nutrients we need from diet alone. Furthermore, an optimal level of key nutrient intake has much to offer than just the levels given in the Daily Value. With Micronutrient Profile Testing to determine levels of nutrient sufficiency, required levels can then be determined and implemented through dietary change and supplemental support. This is not the only factor for optimal health, but is one which will help to assure an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, can help promote wellness, and may play a role in the prevention of certain disease.


DISCLAIMER
The views and nutritional advice expressed by Christine Wokowsky, CN, BCHN, CGP, is not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service.