There are countless types of supplements available on the market today: minerals; vitamins; amino acids; weight loss supplements; body building supplements. They line the shelves of Wal-Mart; Target; GNC; and are available on assorted websites. But how do you measure the effectiveness of the product you’re buying? Do we really need to take supplements?

The typical American diet has long been cited as a direct cause for many of the diseases affecting the population including high blood pressure, stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a large portion of the United States population receives less than 70 percent of the US recommended daily allowance for vitamin A, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium and iron.

According to Kashif Ahmad, PhD, MBBS, MS, an associate professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University, taking supplements can improve one’s overall health if diet is lacking in anti-oxidants or certain specific vitamins. “Most multi-vitamin supplements of good quality would contain essential vitamins and minerals that are required on a daily basis.”

According to Dr. Ahmad, some effective supplements include:

• Glucosamine/Chronditin keeps joints and bones healthy;
• Zinc promotes hair growth;
• Aloe Vera protects the skin and intestine;
• Antioxidants prevent or protect cells from free radical damage;
• Epigallocatechin Gallate or green tea extract has numerous health benefits;
• Sylinium protects from prostate cancer;
• Garlic improves blood pressure;
• St. John’s Wort treats depression and insomnia; and
• Turmeric prevents cancer.

Although taking certain supplements can be beneficial, taking too many supplements could be harmful. “Taking too many supplements can result in hypervitaminosis which means excess or toxic levels of vitamins in the blood. If intake exceeds upper limits, it could be harmful,” Dr. Ahmad notes.

Dr. Ahmad says when thinking of purchasing a supplement, a good multi-vitamin would be a good start. He adds that price should be considered. “Less expensive vitamins may not have optimum concentration that more expensive vitamins may have.”

Although it can be difficult to get all the daily nutrients you need in your meals, taking supplements is a way to compensate for the nutrients you’re lacking. Good quality supplements offer many benefits to living a long and healthy life.