11/09/2023
I have seen a few patients recently who are taking supplements “Just because” or “Just in case”, without knowing whether they actually have a deficiency. If you find yourself ‘looking’ in the supplement aisle, I recommend you consider the following 3 questions:
1) Do I have a deficiency?
A tingling sensation in the hands and feet could be a sign of a Vitamin B deficiency, but it could also be a sign of diabetes, or it could be neither … My point is that if you suspect signs of a deficiency, it is important to test/ investigate further to determine if a supplement will be helpful in improving these symptoms. In some cases, a blood test can help determine the severity of the deficiency and can guide your health care professional in providing the correct supplement dose.
2) Can I get this nutrient through my diet?
If you are taking a supplement because you lack a certain nutrient/variety in your diet (e.g. 3-4 servings of vegetables daily), it might be worth trying to include those whole foods in your diet instead. In certain cases, someone may have problems absorbing nutrients or following a restricted diet due to food allergies, aversions or beliefs. In this case it would be important to explore alternatives that could be included in the diet and a tailored supplementation strategy to meet nutritional requirements.
3) What is my goal when taking this supplement?
We often hear people talk about the new trendy supplement on the market which often influences us to purchase it to “try it out”. If you have a specific goal such as trying to fall pregnant, it is better to individualize your supplements rather than just taking a multi-vitamin for the sake of it.
