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Pre-planning can help vacationers deal with high travel costs
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Susan Hughes
June 14, 2006
STARKVILLE, Miss.-Choosing a vitamin supplement to fit your needs shouldn't be overwhelming, if first you learn your As, Bs and zincs.
Joseph Chromiak, a Mississippi State teacher and administrator, urges beginning vitamin users to remain calm. With just a little education, picking the right vitamin, whether it's a children's chewable or metabolic-boosting formula, can be easy.
"Generally, I recommend that people concerned that they are not eating a healthy diet take a single multivitamin, multi-mineral supplement each day," says the interim head of the university's kinesiology department. While supplements can be a healthy addition to most diets, they should not-and cannot-replace a nutritious diet, he emphasizes.
Chromiak says problems also may arise with self-diagnosed "mega" doses, which can lead to a build-up of certain vitamins or minerals. Taken along with certain new and popular additives, they can have undesirable side effects. The herb ginseng, for example, can affect heart rate or blood pressure in some people.
"Probably, the wisest choice is to stick to general vitamin and mineral supplements," Chromiak said, adding, "one with additional antioxidants, such as vitamins C or E."
He provides some additional reminders for vitamin supplement users, including:
- Because every diet has strengths and weaknesses, first, know your needs.
- Be a discerning consumer; just because it contains a "new" ingredient doesn't mean you need it.
- Stick with known or store brands.
- Especially when considering herbal additives, determine in advance what the proper dose should be, as well as the potential benefits and risks.
- Men and women, as well as people of different ages, have different needs, so one vitamin may not be right for the entire family.
- Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek advice from a physician or nutrition specialist.