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Source: FDA U.S Food and Drug Administration
Special Nutrient Needs
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many people consume more
calories than they need without taking in recommended amounts of a number of
nutrients. The Guidelines warn that there are numerous nutrients—including
vitamins—for which low dietary intake may be a cause of concern. These nutrients
are:
- calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A (as
carotenoids), C, and E (for adults)
- calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E (for
children and adolescents)
- vitamin B-12, iron, folic acid, and vitamins E and D (for
specific population groups).
Regarding the use of vitamin supplements, the Dietary
guidelines include the following:
- Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages
within and among the basic food groups. At the same time, choose foods that
limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt,
and alcohol.
- Meet recommended nutrient intakes within energy needs by
adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as one of those recommended in the
USDA Food Guide or the National Institute of Health's Dietary Approaches to
Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan.
- If you're over age 50, consume vitamin B-12 in its
crystalline form, which is found in fortified foods or supplements.
- If you're a woman of childbearing age who may become
pregnant, eat foods high in heme-iron and/or consume iron-rich plant foods or
iron-fortified foods with an iron-absorption enhancer, such as foods high in
vitamin C.
- If you're a woman of childbearing age who may become
pregnant or is in the first trimester of pregnancy, consume adequate synthetic
folic acid daily (from fortified foods or supplements) in addition to food
forms of folate from a varied diet.
- If you are an older adult, have dark skin, or are exposed
to insufficient ultraviolet band radiation (such as sunlight), consume extra
vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements.
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