Overview
A diet naturally high in vitamins and minerals can be the best defense against many diseases. Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are the primary sources of vitamins, carotenoids, and phytochemicals, as well as of fiber and important minerals.
Vitamin Intake
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended in November 2008 that the minimum intake of vitamin D for children and adolescents be changed from 200 IU/day to 400 IU / day.
New Standard
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins is gradually being replaced by a new standard called the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). The DRI represents a shift in nutritional emphasis -- from preventing deficiencies to lowering risks of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.
People Who Should Take Vitamin Supplements
Among people who should take vitamin supplements are:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women who especially need B6, B12, and folic acid
- People who have had gastric bypass surgery -- vitamin deficiency is a recognized complication of gastric bypass surgery
- Some older adults -- deficiencies of vitamins and important minerals have been observed in almost a third of elderly people
Cancer
- Growing evidence suggests that vitamins and micronutrients, especially from foods, may play important roles in the prevention or treatment of certain cancers:
- On the other hand, high amounts of folic acid (a B vitamin) may be associated with colorectal and prostate cancers, and beta-carotene supplements are associated with increased lung cancer risk in smokers and people exposed to asbestos.
