Mineral Supplements: Are they necessary and safe?
Multi-vitamin-mineral formulas are the most popular nutritional supplements in the United States and experts estimate that up to half of all adults take them regularly. But studies have shown mixed results and consumers are concerned. Are they necessary? Are they safe? Who should take them? Are liquids better than capsules? Which brands are best? The following guide will answer these questions and more. Foods First Taking nutritional supplements is never a substitute for eating whole foods. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need and most adults should eat seven to nine servings each day. (One serving of fruits and vegetables is one half cup, excluding raw leafy greens like lettuce, which require one cup for one serving.) However, comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges, some are more nutritious than others. Foods grown in nutrient-rich soils are rich in nutrients and foods grown in nutrient-poor soils are poor in nutrients. Aft
