We hear so much in the media these days about the controversy over whether or not we should take vitamin and mineral supplements. Some say the research to advocate vitamin supplements is not there. You hear, too, that it’s a waste of money since “some studies” say they’re not necessary.

For example, just recently we’ve been hearing in the news of a greater need for more Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) in our diet. They say we’re so deficient in this vital vitamin that we need to supplement to replenish our bodies since we're staying out of the sun more and wearing sunscreen when we do go out to avoid skin cancer. Actually 400 IU is the suggested daily requirement and more may be better.

Also because of our busy lifestyles that often become so hectic, we don't have time to check all the labels or search the Internet for the vitamin value in our foods or keep a vitamin/mineral diary to make sure we're getting the ones we need in the right quantities.

Another example of mixed media signals is the need to eat fish for our omega-3 supply. We hear how good it is for us to eat fish a couple times a week, but not many people really do that; and those who do, run the risk of injesting too much mercury or other heavy metals. It makes me wonder if we should just eat the fish anyway to get the wonderful value of the omega-3 fatty acids and their benefits or not eat it because of the possible contamination. And the controversy goes on.

How easy would it be just to take a purified daily omega-3 supplement rather than run the risk of mercury poisoning? Finding an omega-3 that’s pure and free of mercury is what I would recommend because of its amazing, slippery affect on our blood platelets making them move more easily through the blood vessels and less likely to form clots; thus causing fewer blockages.

One study says one thing and one says another.

So what is the right way to think?

Who do we believe?

Well, we know that our bodies are made up of billions of cells, and these cells, to be able to function properly, need proper nutrition. Also when our cells divide to make more cells, which they’re doing continually, it’s very important that they replicate exactly the DNA of the original cell and be as healthy and as much like the original cell as possible. If that does not occur and our dividing cells continue to produce more and more nutrition-starved cells, the original purpose and function of the cells can become lost or at best weakened. And how would our bodies work with such cells? Not too well. Aging is the biggest reason this happens, but it can happen even in young, healthy-looking individuals. And, of course, diseases occur in the young and the old.

Well, you say, “I eat a good diet making sure I eat my fruits and vegetables, lean meat, whole grains and good carbohydrates. I’m getting all the vitamins and minerals I need.”

Not necessarily so!

Our soil, without fertilizer, is so depleted of nutrients that the produce is lacking the rich nutrients we need. So we’re getting the product without the quality. We add fertilizer made from chemicals, and we get healthy-looking produce, but the chemicals’ residue can cause other problems in our bodies. So we’re not receiving the benefits we think we are and could actually be doing more harm than good.

Organic fruits and veggies are better for us as we eliminate the chemicals, but can we be sure when we buy them from the grocery store that they’re truly grown untainted by chemicals? We run the risk of purchasing ones that are grown organically enough but in a plot of land that’s near other environmental additives that blow over to contaminate that plot. So who knows. Even acid rain can be a problem.

Another thing to consider is if our cells are already depleted of necessary nutrients, they will need the correct vitamins and minerals in a higher dose over a longer period of time to replenish what’s lacking. Even by the age of 20 our cells start showing signs of aging. Good quality supplements can aid in healthy cell replication for many, many years helping us to live longer, healthier lives.

So with the knowledge I have obtained about quality whole food vitamins and minerals, I do not leave my health to diet alone. And I’ve seen my health drastically improve taking supplements, so one study or another doesn’t bother me. I’m confident in what I’m doing and am taking control of my health.

To your health!