Vitamins: Finding the right one

For many, the idea of adding vitamins and supplements to one’s diet is overwhelming and difficult to navigate through all the opinions you can find online. Together, let’s take a couple minutes to evaluate what is important and how to get started off in the right direction.

We sat down with Dr. Amy Seinfeld to learn more about the importance and potential dangers of vitamins and supplements. “I have always been passionate about vitamins and their benefits. They can help play a significant role in a person’s health. Vitamins aren’t always necessary if you have a good diet, but they help bridge those gaps that most of us struggle with.”

Dietary supplements come in various forms, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and more. Certain supplements like calcium and vitamin D for stronger bones, folic acid for birth defect prevention, omega-3 fatty acids for prevention of cardiovascular disease, and specific formulas for age-related macular degeneration have established benefits.

Unlike drugs, supplements don’t need FDA approval before being sold. However, manufacturers must ensure their products are safe and labels are truthful. They’re responsible for having evidence for safety and accurate claims, but for most ingredients, they don’t need to submit this evidence to the FDA beforehand.

Many supplements have potent ingredients with potential side effects, especially at high doses, when replacing prescribed medication, or when taken with multiple supplements. Some can increase bleeding risk, interact with medications, or reduce their effectiveness.

“Many problems we have seen throughout the years when people take an excess of vitamins, is that it can lead to neurological and gastrointestinal side effects.” Seinfeld reflects. She encourages us to be cautious about supplements during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children unless recommended by a healthcare provider. Seinfeld also advises to always look at the nutrition labels. “We need to avoid the unnecessary ingredients such as sugar, preservative, and additives.”

“If you are taking dietary supplements, it is important to bring those to your annual exam.” Seinfeld continues, “Your provider will want to ensure that what you are taking doesn’t counteract your medications.” Always report any suspected adverse reactions to your healthcare provider.

Blood work will give you and your primary care provider better insight as to what your body is lacking and what supplements will work best for you. Seinfeld states, “The perfect time to look at your blood work is during your annual visit. Getting a blood panel yearly will help you and your provider track your overall wellness. It gives your provider a baseline and tells them what you are deficient in and how to combat that.”

At Haxtun Health, you can walk in and get a blood panel through our Direct Access Tests, which is a cash-pay service. This service doesn’t require a doctor’s order and bypasses potential limitations from insurance. You can learn more about our Direct Access Tests or Cash Pay Menu by visiting haxtunhealth.org/services/laboratory.

Our team of trusted providers can help you develop a customized plan to help you reach optimal wellness. Appointments are available at both the Fleming & Haxtun Clinic locations. You can schedule an appointment today by calling 970-774-6187.