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Articles
about Vitamins
Many
university medical newsletters are urging people to increase dosage
above the RDAs. The University of California at Berkeley Wellness
Letter, which recently reversed a long-standing policy against
vitamin supplements, now advises its readers to daily take 10,000
to 25,000 IU of beta carotene, 100 to 800 IU of vitamin E, and
250 to 500 mg of vitamin C.
Dosage
recommendations also vary based on age, sex, lifestyle, and diet
habits. Before taking any supplements, talk with your doctor about
what amount may be best for you. Also, tell your doctor that you
are taking supplements if prescribed medication.
Are
they safe? Vitamins are regulated by the government. With the
growing public interest in the health benefits of vitamins, the
Food and Drug Administration is watching the industry more closely
than ever to evaluate health claims.
In
response to concerns that the FDA was blocking health information
about vitamin supplements, Congress passed The Dietary Supplement
Health and Education Act of 1994. The legislation, approved last
October, sets up regulatory and safety controls for the industry,
ensures continued access to products, and allows manufacturers
to distribute some limited health and disease prevention information,
according to John Cordaro, president of the Council for Responsible
Nutrition in Washington, D.C.
In
light of the new law, the FDA is currently developing a plan to
design new rules on how to track health claims and ensure product
safety.
Vitamins
are not a substitute for eating well. No one lifestyle factor
holds the key to longevity.
The
best way to give your body the nutrients it needs is to eat well-balanced
meals every day that are high in fruits and vegetables. Here is
where you can find some natural antioxidants:
ANTIOXIDANT
PRIMARY FOOD SOURCE
Vitamin C Oranges, cantaloupe,
broccoli, brussels sprouts,
papaya, grapefruit,
strawberries, kiwi fruit,
cauliflower
Vitamin E Almonds, hazelnuts, egg
yolks, butter, wheat germ,
mayonnaise, cottonseed and
sunflower oil
Beta carotene Dark green and yellow-orange
vegetables and fruits:
carrots, sweet potatoes,
tomatoes, spinach, squash,
mango, papaya, broccoli
Source: Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper's Antioxidant Revolution
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