Since the early 1940s when they first appeared on the market, people in the United States have been taking multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements. These supplements continue to be part of the dietary regimen of approximately one-third of all Americans. Nearly two-thirds of adults consume supplements, and these tend to be MVMs.
Nearly one-sixth of dietary supplements purchased in the United States are MVMs. Furthermore, they represent 40% of total supplement sales.
Since vitamins and minerals are also sold separately, part of the reason for this significant percentage likely pertains to the convenience–and ease–of only having to take one or two pills at a time. Another reason may be due to the fact that some vitamins and minerals are recommended in combination.
In 2014, overall dietary supplement sales were approximately $36.7 billion. Given this figure, $14.3 billion was for supplements that contained vitamins and minerals, and $5.7 billion of this figure was for MVMs.
Antioxidant supplements are also taken by many Americans, as they are believed to have a positive effect on certain types of cells in order to prevent certain diseases and other conditions. In other words, antioxidants are considered to be cellular health supplements by some.
Many people believe that antioxidants can delay or prevent certain types of cell damage and disease, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). There continue to be studies to determine the various effects of both antioxidant supplements and antioxidant-rich foods.
One of these ongoing NCCIH studies is focusing on the naturally-occurring antioxidants in pomegranates. It has yet to be determined whether or not the antioxidants present in pomegranates would be beneficial prostate health supplements to treat or prevent prostate cancer.
Although antioxidants are present in certain foods, they are also available in supplement form. According to the NCCIH, here is a list of some of these antioxidants:
- Vitamin C
- Selenium
Other antioxidants include these carotenoids:
- Beta-carotene
- Lycopene
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
Some foods, such as fruits and vegetables, contain antioxidants. The NCCIH states that not only is a diet containing multiple portions of fruits and vegetables healthy, research has also shown that including these nutritious foods has the potential to lower the risk of certain diseases.
When in search of supplements to boost metabolism, both men and women may want to consider adding more fruits and vegetables to their diets. Furthermore, when looking for digestive health supplements, antioxidant supplements, or any other type of supplement, it’s important to consult with a medical professional. One of the many reasons for this is that supplements can interfere with other medications. Another reason is to ensure that the proper dosages are taken.
The bottom line is that people take MVMs and antioxidant supplements in order to be healthier as well as to prevent disease and other issues. When supplements are prescribed or recommended by a medical professional, then you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice.