Most of the time I write about all the wonderful nutriments that can be
obtained by eating natural, fresh foods.
So many things that are promoted as supplements to our diets are
unnecessary, if you know just which foods to eat, and in what proportion.

Supplements are expensive, and can even be harmful, if used incorrectly, or
even sometimes because they are being ingested in isolation from the items
found in natural foods. Vit C is a good example. Without the rutin and other
flavinoids found in fruit, it can actually do more harm than good, even
damaging cells and disrupting biological processes.

So why use supplements at all?

1. A necessary item may be lacking in our diets due to location and local
conditions.
Iodine is a good example of this. In some parts of the world, like inland
Australia, iodine is lacking in the soil and it's produce, and sea food is
difficult to get or very expensive. So we have a product called iodised salt
that can be used in place of ordinary salt. Without iodine, our thyroid
glands cannot function efficiently, and lack of this mineral can even lead
to brain damage in our children.

2. We may not be able to absorb the needed nutriment efficiently or in
sufficient amounts, even when it is in the food, due to ill health or old
age. Some disorders (like diabetes) can deplete the body more of certain
things, than in healthy people
Supplements that are designed to be more easily absorbed or metabolised can
make up the lack. In diabetes, for instance, supplementary Vitamin B12 may
prevent low levels of this important vitamin if it has been depleted by the
medication metformin.

3.  Genetic metabolic, or chronic disease disorders can prevent the
production/metabolising of complicated biochemicals that are normally
produced naturally by healthy bodies from simpler nutriments. If identical
compounds can be produced artificially, then they can replace the missing
ones in the body, and maintain health.  Often these are obtained as
prescribed "medicines", insulin being a classic example. But there are some
that are available in many countries as OTC "supplements".
One that is prescribed by doctors in Germany, but is treated as a supplement
in Oz and the US, is ALA or Thiotic Acid.
It is an insulin memetic, and very useful for T2's in helping with the
management of bg levels and neuropathy, and preventing the oxidisation of
cells.

4. Some items that are obtained from natural vegetable sources, are proven
safe and effective, but are not easily available as a food item, can be
taken as a supplement. GLA, for example, is recognised by medicine and
science as being beneficial for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy,
but is obtained as a part of the oil from Evening Primrose seeds or Borage.
Not plants that one would normally eat! But reasonably cheap and readily
obtainable as a supplementary oil.

I still think that a lot of money is wasted on things that are either
unnecessary or even useless, let alone potentially harmful.
But it is also unwise to write off all supplements as being of no value.

So the best plan is to discuss the use of supps with your doctor, and always
research the scientific literature carefully, (not purely anecdotal reports
or commercial sites), and ONLY use those things that are well documented and
supported, in the recommended amounts. If in doubt, DON'T! You might be
surprised to find how little you will ever really need to purchase, yet how
helpful particular items can be if you really need them.

Be alert and aware, and spend your hard earned dollars carefully and
thoughtfully,

Annette