Are you a post menopausal woman? Are you an elderly person who perhaps is not getting enough exposure to the sun? Or are you are lactose intolerant? If the answer to any of the above is yes than perhaps you are a candidate for nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements, as the name suggests are taken to supplement the diet. It can be one or a combination of vitamins, minerals, a herb or any botanical substance, an amino acid, substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, a concentrate, metabolite, constituent or extract.

Why do people take vitamins and supplements?

In a study conducted in 2002, it was found that most Americans take vitamins and minerals supplements because they believe that it is good for their general health and a large majority take it as a dietary supplement. In some cases they are consumed for specific reasons like to prevent osteoporosis or colds and influenza. A small percentage even take it as an immune booster and because they have been recommended by their physician, family or friends. Herbal supplements on the other hand are more or less consumed to address a specific ailment or condition like arthritis, as a memory enhancer, for joint pains, to aid sleep, for prostate problems and as a general immune booster.

Do YOU need vitamins and mineral supplements?

If you belong to any of these categories then perhaps you should consider taking a supplement to your regular diet.

8 People whose calorie intake is less than 1200

9 Aged people who may not be eating as much as they should be, have limited exposure to he sun, are lactose intolerant, or are not able to sufficiently absorb and utilize Vitamin B-12 because of gastric problems

10 Staunch vegetarians and vegans, whose consumption of eggs and dairy products is low or nil, and thus are not getting enough of vitamin B-12

11 People who do not drink milk or consume dairy products, due to lactose intolerance or just a general aversion

12 Women who are pregnant or in the child bearing stage of their lives may need folic acid and iron

13 People recuperating from an illness or those who fall frequently or are chronically ill

14 Alcoholics and smokers usually have a problem absorbing vitamin B-complex and vitamin C respectively

15 People who skip meals often as a result of which are not getting sufficient vitamins and minerals from their diet.