The use of nutritional supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and herbs, has grown steadily in the United States during the past decade. Today, nearly half of all Americans take these products on a regular basis. If you are like them, you probably have questions about whether you should take nutritional supplements, which ones are best and how diabetes affects your nutritional needs.
Vitamins and minerals are essential compounds found in foods. They are used by the body to perform basic functions, such as building bone and muscle. It is well known that the best way to meet your nutritional needs for vitamins and minerals is by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. These foods supply a variety of nutrients and other compounds that supplements can not duplicate. People who eat a wide variety of foods and meet the minimum number of servings recommended in the food pyramid (five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, two to three servings of dairy, six servings of grains, limited heart-healthy fats and approximately six ounces of lean meats or protein equivalents) on most days should be able to meet their nutritional requirements without nutritional supplements. Even if you fall into the group of people who try to eat well, but sometimes falls short of the mark, you might also want to take a multivitamin. This is like an extra bit of health insurance. Some researchers have suggested that all Americans should take a basic multivitamin supplement to ensure they meet their daily nutritional needs. People with diabetes also may have risk factors that can increase the possibility of developing nutrient deficiencies. Use your answers to the following questions to evaluate your risk for nutritional deficiencies and help determine whether you should be taking nutritional supplements.
DO YOU OFTEN HAVE BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS OVER 200-250 MG/DL?
High blood glucose levels increase urination and loss of water-soluble vitamins such as the B vitamins and some minerals such as magnesium. High blood glucose levels also may increase requirements for antioxidant nutrients like vitamin E.
DO YOU TAKE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS ON A REGULAR BASIS?
Many medications interfere with the absorption or metabolism of nutrients. The diabetes medication metformin can decrease folate and B12 absorption. Many blood pressure and heart disease medications also can interact with nutrients.
DO YOU SMOKE OR DRINK REGULARLY?
Smoking increases vitamin C requirements, and high alcohol intake can interfere with the absorption and utilization of many nutrients.
ARE YOU EATING FEWER THAN 1,200 CALORIES A DAY, OR DO YOU AVOID EATING FOODS FROM A PARTICULAR FOOD GROUP?
If so, you are more likely to miss important nutrients. Vegetarians who eat no animal products may require supplemental zinc, calcium and vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
ARE YOU OVER 55 YEARS OF AGE?
Many people with diabetes fall into population groups with increased nutritional needs either due to growth (pregnant women, children and adolescents) or decreased absorption and utilization (older people). Older people are more likely to have deficiencies of zinc, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, folate and B6. A daily intake of 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D is recommended. Pregnant women and those women who have not reached menopause may need supplemental iron and should be taking 400 micrograms of supplemental folic acid each day.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could have low vitamin and mineral levels. One way to improve your nutritional health is to meet with a dietitian to review your individual eating plan and learn about how you can eat healthier. A dietitian and your other health care providers also can help you determine whether you should be taking any nutritional supplements. Some people may need individual vitamins or minerals, such as folate or calcium, but in most cases, a basic multivitamin supplement that provides 100 percent of the daily value for most nutrients, is all you need.
