How to Avoid Fake Multivitamins
By Underground Health Reporter
It is convenient to believe that a pill will solve all of our nutritional needs – without further thought.
In the United States more than 50% of the adult population take some form of vitamin, mineral or herb supplement regularly.
While some deficiencies can be corrected with vitamins – such as increasing your vitamin D intake with a supplement during the winter months – many fake multivitamins have been proven ineffective. A waste of your time and money; doing you no good at all.
In a perfect world, all the nutrition you need would be present in your diet. Unfortunately, our modern eating habits are far from perfect. High-fat, high-sugar and high-salt foods that have been commercially produced is the primary go-to for a growing percentage of the population.
When you suffer from too little exercise and poor nutrition, you may feel that taking a multivitamin means you’re doing something. Besides, the government monitors pills we take – so they’re safe…right?
Wrong.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the ingredients in supplements and the makers do not have to supply proof that their product actually works. The FDA provides manufacturers with a list of guidelines but the products aren’t evaluated regarding adherence to those guidelines before they reach the consumer.
When it comes to fake multivitamins, the FDA typically only gets involved if there are a significant number of complaints – such as allergic reaction, hospitalization or death.
Store shelves are filled with supplements, vitamins and minerals for every possible ailment. It is a multi-billion dollar business that doesn’t have to answer to federal agencies as long as they don’t make you sick.
No one seems to care if they don’t work.
Researchers at Oxford University studied the effects of vitamins on 20,000 human subjects over the course of five years. 50% of the participants took common vitamins and 50% were given placebos. After 5 years – there were no measurable differences between the two groups. The vitamins were absorbed but had no effect.
Scientists who later reviewed the Oxford data point to the synthetic ingredients in the vitamins used. Your body is unable to recognize or use synthetic compounds and responds by flushing them from your body – just as it does any other “foreign” or “toxic” compound!
Top 5 Vitamins to Get Through Diet
- Vitamin A: found in eggs, orange and red veggies, and tuna. It is
crucial to our immune system, mucus membranes, vision and skin.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine): found in peanuts, asparagus and cauliflower. Your body needs it for optimal nervous system function and energy.- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): found in oats, eggs and mushrooms. It provides your body what it needs to convert food to energy and keep your acid balance in check.
- Vitamin B6: found in salmon, cabbage and kidney beans. It balances sex hormones and has shown great promise as a natural anti-depressant.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: found in seeds, olive oil, nuts and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. It is critical to brain function, keeping your immune system strong and protecting cell membranes.
An investigation done by Consumer Reports found that not everyone requires vitamin supplements. With a balanced diet that features plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, fatty acids, dairy and whole grains – your vitamin and mineral levels are likely excellent.
Who Should Always Consider a Supplement?
- Women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant
- Nursing women
- People on a diet of 1,200 calories or less
- People on specific diets that remove a food group (such as vegetarians)
- Sick or elderly people who are not able to consume enough food sources
- Those with medical conditions that prevent vitamin absorption
Natural Alternatives to Fake Multivitamins
For raw concentrations of vitamins and minerals in a single serving – without the synthetic ingredients – consider juicing or green smoothies. Inexpensive, effective and highly customizable – these options provide raw vitamins and minerals in a single serving you might otherwise be unable (or unwilling) to consume each day.
Raw supplements are plant-based
and food-based. They provide the nutritional supplement without synthetic ingredients.
One such raw, organic supplement uses eight of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on earth.
Click here now to read more about alternatives to fake multivitamins and what you can do to provide your body with the nutrition it truly needs.
More Articles For You To Enjoy:
- Vitamins: Too Much of a Good Thing? – Part 1
- Vitamins and Minerals: Absorption – Part 2
- Do You Need Antioxidant Vitamins – Part 3
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