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The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter, Issue #93 Supplements: Don't Get Taken July 01, 2012 |
Hi
July 1, 2012
In this newsletter . . . Supplements: Don't Get TakenI subscribe to Consumer Lab. It is an independent laboratory that tests and reports on vitamins and food supplements of various kinds. I have no connection with them other than being a subscriber and able to read their full reports. They provide a valuable service. Most people would be surprised to see the results of their testing of food and vitamin supplement brands we are all familiar with. I don't mean to suggest they are all bad. Most of them are okay. Still, some do not contain the amounts of substances claimed on their labels. In a few instances, harmful ingredients find their way into them. Add to these facts that the value of taking even those that pass muster is often called into question when more facts are known. Thus, I have become skeptical of vitamin popping in general. Remember when Vitamin E was the fair-haired boy? Not that long ago people were advised to practically douse themselves in vitamin E, for all sorts of positive health reasons. Today, it is believed that getting too much of the vitamin may actually be detrimental. That is but one example. Anyone following the news is aware that this week’s miracle substance often turns out to be something quite different when more is learned. More and more, doctors are saying that, by far, the healthiest way of getting the nutrients we need is through eating real food. Perhaps some people do need to supplement their diet for particular reasons. But that should be because of an individual need, best established by someone in concert his or her doctor. Just popping pills by following the latest vitamin de jour in the news is not the smartest thing to do. In fact, it may even be harmful. No, not all supplements are bad. But we must realize there is a massive, mostly unregulated, billion-dollar industry bombarding us with supplement advertising, often making exaggerated and sometimes erroneous claims of value. Don’t let them fool you. My own policy when it comes to food, vitamins, and herbal supplements is here. Please take a look. Go here to find the results of supplement testing at Consumer Lab. You may also want to look on supplement labels for the NFS seal (NFS International is a not-for-profit public health and safety company). They also test to be sure consumers are getting what is promised. It is easy to be misled by exaggerated claims and promises. They are clever. Be Careful. Be discriminating. Know what you are putting into your body. And discuss it with your health care provider to be certain you really need it. Otherwise, you are wasting your money, or in some instances even undermining your health and longevity.
You've probably heard about the tremendous benefits of weight training and how you can retain -- or even reclaim -- the attributes of youth . . . Discover the way with . . . Gray Iron: A Fitness Guide for Senior Men and Women
 Newsletter Policy The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter is a free publication sent twice monthly to subscribers. The purpose is to provide honest and realistic fitness information for people age 50 and above. I have never been paid or received compensation of any kind to write a positive review or endorse a product. If I say that I personally use a product or service, it is because I find value in it and have paid for it with my own money. Like newspapers, magazines and television, this newsletter and my web site contain advertising and marketing links. Naturally, I am compensated for these. The newsletter and web site provide information to help users establish and maintain a fitness lifestyle. But fitness information is not the same as fitness advice, which is the application of exercise and dietary practices to an individual's specific circumstances. Therefore, always consult with your physician for assurance that fitness information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate for you. Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom. |
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