Supplement ABCs - basics - dietary supplements - Brief Article

A good diet is the foundation of better health, but even the most nutrition-savvy consumers don't always eat the way they should. That's where dietary supplements come in.

If you're acquainted with the US Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid or any of several pyramid charts tailored to vegetarian and other diets, then the Dietary Supplement Pyramid should look familiar. Use the pyramid to ensure that you are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Begin with multivitamins at the base. They will help correct nutritional deficiencies and provide the necessary 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid women of childbearing age should get every day. Folic acid has also been shown to lower homocysteine levels in the blood (see "heart health" p. 18), so it's good for everyone.

The field narrows as you progress higher on the pyramid highlighting specific vitamins and minerals--calcium supplements and antioxidants--that are important for people of all ages.

The Dietary Supplement Pyramid places at the top a variety of supplements and herbs used by different people according to their lifestyles and needs. Your natural products retailer can advise you on the numerous choices available.

More information about the Dietary Supplement Pyramid is available from the Council for Responsible Nutrition at cmusa.org on the Internet.

COPYRIGHT 2002 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group