Other than standard daily vitamins, what would you consider the most important supplements to take?

Question

Meaning, other than just the standard daily vitamins, like A-B-C-D, etc, what would you consider the most important supplements to take daily? (i.e. fish oil, acidophilus, etc, etc...)

Great answers so far!
It's interesting when people respond with 'if you eat a healthy diet, you don't need supplements'. Is there really grounds to this? I mean, what about things like digestive enzymes, opcs, cod liver oil, etc (in other words, beneficial nutrients that generally aren't in a lot of foods we eat, or at least, are in fairly small amounts. And who actually eats cod livers for dinner? :)

Also, some people have mentioned Centrum, but I've heard that synthethic vitamins like this should be avoided, instead going with more natural vitamin sources. Any grounds to this?

Answer 1

It is true.
It's only Americans who believe in supplements.

A proper healthy diet means eating everything you need.
A vegetarian diet, based on fresh fruit, with plenty of green-leaved vegetables, some nuts and seeds, and pure water means that no supplements are necessary.
It's only eating foods which contain toxins that cause a need for additions to the diet.
If you avoid ALL processed foods, and all foods containing artificial colouring and preservatives, you are doing yourself a great favour.
I have NEVER ever taken a single supplement, and I haven't seen a doctor in 40 years.
Avoid vaccinations, and avoid non-natural medicines.

If your body needs something, it will tell you. Find a natural product, and add it to your diet occasionally.
If it comes in a packet or tin, or if its frozen, or manufactured in a factory, don't eat it.

Answer 2

I think it varies. At the moment when I dont take a multivitamin or any other vitamin that isnt in food, it feels like I get low on the metals--copper, zinc, and one other I cant think of now . ..I went through a period where I had to take selenium every day but now I dont feel like I need to. As far as food vitamins go, I get low on calcium and protein but I look for foods that have these when I feel like they are low .. .I dont think there's any set formula that works; and a daily multivitamin I think is unhealthy because you dont always need all that extra vitamin

I havent ever felt a need to take a non-vitamin supplement regularly; though I do occasionally need cranberry juice because it feels like I get full of bacteria somehow and the cranberry juice clears it out. In that way, I use it as a supplement but only about every other month or so. Kelp with iodine is a good one but only took this as a supplement for a short while also; I think my body holds onto nutrients pretty well so I just go through phases where I'll take this or that supplement for a short time. I went through a mushroom phase for the riboflavin, celery and something else (I dont remember what) for inositol; then I'll get times where I have to omit certain foods for awhile and then I can have them again, for ex wheat, dairy, also went through a time without corn, rice . .. everything is just short periods for me; I dont know why long periods of the same supplement works for others

Answer 3

I think calcium is an important one to take that is often overlooked.

All women especially are now being told to add a calcium supplement to their vitamin routine. Not only for the effect it has on bone loss, osteoporosis, but they are also finding that it works just as good as a hormone supplement during menopause. Also women who are or are trying to get pregnant should be taking it, because lets face it most people do not get their daily need of calcium, then add another life that needs it too.

Answer 4

To begin with, I take Seasilver for my daily vitamins and minerals. The soil only has about 3 to 6 minerals left in it, from misusing it and not rotating crops. Grocery store vitamins are crap. They contain ground up sea shells, ground up rocks, and animal by products. Seasilver has all 63 minerals your body needs. You will notice a difference the first time you take it. You'll have more energy. Other than that I take herbs from amazonherbs.com I don't sell either of these products. I just take them and know they work for me. I'm 57 and I feel as good as I ever have. In conclusion, I must say that we can take all the supplements we want, but nothing has more of a profound effect on us than the food we eat. So, try to eat some live food everyday.

Answer 5

Water, at least 8 glasses a day. this will help ALL body functions and keep all the systems working properly. If you can eat from all the food groups you usually wont need extra vitamins, except if aging a supplement of calcium is very important....You should take calcium with vitamin d and c for full effect...

Answer 6

if you are healthy and you eat a balanced and healthy diet of proteins, carbs, dairy and vegetables you won't need any supplement. If you are not healthy or if you are not eating a very healthy diet, then you need vitamins and minerals. depending on your age and your health, you may need different supplements, for example perimenopause women need additional iron during and right after their menstruation cycle, teenagers (that don't eat enough dairy or eat too much fast food) and postmenopausal women need to take Calcium+D to help build bones (in teens) and to prevent osteoporosis. Glucosamine and chondroitin will help keep your joints healthy so if you are an athlete or if you have already problems with your joints, you should start taking them (they work better if you take them together).
In any case, remember that our bodies can only absorb and use so much of a supplement and taking too much of a vitamin or mineral or any type of supplement can be toxic and harmful to the body. In most cases the amount of the vitamins and minerals in an over-the-counter supplement is sufficient for a person therefore if you are taking one dose of ONE-A-DAY Multivitamins + Minerals or a dose of Centrum, you shouldn't be taking additional calcium, vitamin D, A, B. C, E, ......
In any case, make sure you talk to your health-care provider AND pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medication or supplement.

Answer 7

Zinc is perhaps the single most important supplement for males above the age of 25.

What follows is a list / database about other supplements also suggested for aging/maturing males:

PUMPKIN SEED
Supports prostate health and hormonal production. While they may not readily increase sperm volume, they do enhance prostate health and testosterone production.

Vitamin C, E
Magnesium

Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and essential fatty acids are found in the prostate in high levels. Low zinc levels have been connected to decreased production of seminal fluids, as well as lower testosterone levels. A healthy balance of nutrients is important for maintaining vascular health as well, which improves your ability to achieve and maintain erections. There isn't a need to go popping extra vitamins if you are already eating a diet rich in nutrients, particulary from fruits and vegetables. Essential fatty acids are found in certain kinds of fish (like salmon) and nuts.

Cheers!

Answer 8

I not take Supplements. I still believe in the old time proved Food Pyramid. BUT, I do eat a varied well balanced diet that I feel provides all I need. My Grandmother lived to be 103. I do feel a person that does not eat correct will need supplements. MacDonald's is not a well balanced diet. Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Breads and Meats are. Just good old home cooking!
Then add Happiness! "A happy heart is a healthy heart"! Not many Doctors tell you that one.

Answer 9

That's a real thought-provoking question. For women I would say calcium (in a synergystic combination with magensium and Vitamin D) to prevent osteoporosis. Overall I'd say most people don't take enough Vitamin C to stay healthy - only enough to prevent deficiency diseases. 1000 mg/day is generally enough to prevent colds and flu, and some researchers claim that 6000 mg/day is a true anti-aging dosage.

Do I get to include one more? I'd agree with those who nominated fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids) - good for everything from rheumatoid arthritis to heart health to brain food.

One final note: the B-vitamin group is a complex. Taking only one (e.g. B6 or B12) potentially creates a deficiency of the others. Those who self-medicate, think about your choices!

Answer 10

Calcium, magnesium, and glucosamine. For women, taking an herbal supplement to balance hormones may be useful, e.g., chasteberry.

I do try to get much from my diet; but diet alone cannot provide all that I need. I eat fish 2-3 times a week, so I am thinking that I am okay in the fish oil department. My goal is to include more yogurt in my diet so that I get those good cultures in my system. Really do hate taking so many pills, so I try to get as much as possible from eating a healthy diet.