Are Supplements The Answer For Micronutrients?

What is a micronutrient? Most people know this building block by each component’s name. Micronutrient is simply a term used to describe vitamins and minerals. Sadly, while only small amounts of the substances are needed to maintain overall health, at least half of children worldwide under age five have a micronutrient deficiency. So, how can people consume enough vitamins and minerals, and are supplements a solution?

Supplements versus daily diet

While supplements can be a helpful way for people to get enough micronutrients, most experts agree that getting vitamins and minerals through a healthy diet is always preferable to relying on a pill. Often, supplements may have more than the daily recommended amount of a micronutrient or may be combined with other components which can create adverse reactions. And in most cases, a well-balanced diet is more than sufficient for providing all of the critical building blocks children and adults need to maintain good health.

1. Salmon the superfood

For the health-conscious set, salmon is a food that’s often recommended because this oily fish checks off so many boxes. Along with being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the fish also contains magnesium, selenium, B vitamins, and potassium. Regularly consuming salmon has been linked with overall improved health, boosted mood, and reduced risk of developing serious disease.

2. Tasty garlic

Along with making bland foods delicious, garlic is also something of a superfood. Specifically, the bulbous plant is high in vitamins C, B1, and B6, and also contains potassium, calcium, copper, selenium, and manganese. What’s more, garlic is rich in sulfur compounds, is naturally antifungal and antibacterial, and has been known to assist with reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. And some studies have even shown that the plant has cancer-fighting properties.

3. Potatoes, the unsung heroes

Potatoes might not be the most exciting vegetable in the group, but the spuds are rich in potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, and manganese as well as vitamin C and a majority of the B vitamins. Along with being nutrient-dense, the starchy vegetable is also ideal as a filling side dish.

4. The incredible edible egg

More than a marketing slogan, the incredible, edible egg truly is a solution for people focused on consuming as many micronutrients as possible. In particular, egg yolks are linked with multiple micronutrients, including choline. Plus, the tasty food is also rich in antioxidants thanks to omega-3s. Along with boosting overall health, eggs have been linked with aiding in weight loss.

Eat up for better health

In most cases, people will get all of the necessary micronutrients from a balanced diet. But in some cases, a multivitamin might be a good solution. Keep in mind that the daily recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals will vary by age, gender, and life stages. And, some multivitamins may contain too much of a specific micronutrient, which can pose a health risk for some people. Before incorporating a multivitamin or other supplement into a daily routine, consider speaking with a physician or dietician to understand the risks and tips to find the best options.