KALC
KOSI
Balance Denver

Poll

What Vitamins Do You Need?

 

Remember when we were kids and that one vitamin a day was supposed to keep us healthy? Well the truth is there are a variety of different needs for everyone in the family. Here is a quick cheat sheet from Prevention Magazine.


Your pre-teen or teen needs: Calcium. This is their one big shot at building a strong skeleton, but kids usually get far less than the 1,300 mg of calcium they need, according to experts.

Food or Supplements? Food. The calcium in milk, cheese, yogurt and dark leafy greens helps build more bone mass that popping a pill. Not all kids are milk drinkers (or green eaters) so stock up on string cheese or low-fat yogurt, when paired with fruit and honey it’s practically dessert.

You and your husband need: Vitamin D. Study after study shows that vitamin D can lower risk of several cancers by as much as 50% and lower your risk of death from ANY cause. But 74% of all Americans don’t get enough of it.

Food or Supplements? Supplements. It’s hard to find the 1,000 IU’s per day experts are now recommending from food, and some times here in the Mile High City you may not get enough sun exposure (your skin makes Vitamin D from sunlight). Look for D3, that’s what your skin makes from the sun.

Your Parents Need: Vitamin B12. Up to 40% of older adults suffer from a B12 deficiency, and it’s essential for a healthy immune system, plus it can keep memory sharp.

Food or Supplements? Both. Synthetic B12 in supplements and fortified food is easier to absorb. Suggest that they take 2/4 mcg of B12 or eat a serving of B-fortified food. If mom or dad take antacids or medications for ulcers make sure they take an additional 400 mcg a day because some of these meds can mess with B12 absorption.

Click here for a complete list of the vitamins your family needs