Download What is the true value of taking vitamins and supplements?

YOUR GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING
Vitamins & Supplements
What is the true value of taking vitamins and supplements?
How do I know what supplements are safe and appropriate for
my health goals?
GlobalFit’s strategic partner, Fitness Formulary, is
a powerful resource to help you determine which
supplements are right for you and how to safely
and strategically add supplements to your wellness
routine. In addition, this guide can help you get
started on the path to learn more about nutrition
enhancement.
WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE VITAMINS
AND SUPPLEMENTS?
It’s not always possible to get all the nutrients we
need from food alone. In fact, 88% of people fail
to get enough vitamin E, the vitamin that supports
immune system health, and 94% of people fail to get
enough vitamin D, the vitamin that feeds your bones
and muscles (5). Vitamins and supplements can help
your body to receive all the nutrients it needs.
HERE’S A LIST OF THE MOST COMMON
REASONS WHY PEOPLE INTRODUCE
SUPPLEMENTS INTO THEIR DIETS:
• Improve overall health
• Increase energy levels
• Boost immune function and prevent disease
• Improve bone health and muscle strength
• Strengthen heart health
• Improve joint health
• Increase gastrointestinal function
CAN NUTRITION ENHANCEMENT HELP
WITH WEIGHT LOSS?
Supplements can be especially beneficial when you
begin a weight loss routine. Restricting your calorie
intake can limit the nutrients your body is taking in,
especially if you’re already exercising. This can delay
your weight loss goals and slow down your progress.
In order for muscle to build, which in turn burns fat,
your body needs vitamins and minerals. Ensuring
that your body receives the amount of nutrients
that it needs helps your body to operate efficiently.
Supplements can help you get the nutrients you need,
making your workouts more effective.
WHAT SUPPLEMENTS ARE RIGHT FOR MY
FITNESS ROUTINE AND WELLNESS GOALS?
Whether you’re beginning a new fitness routine,
looking to make your workouts more effective, or trying
to improve your overall wellness, supplements can give
your body the extra nutrients you need. However, it’s
important to make sure that the vitamins and minerals
you select are safe for you, will work specifically for
your goals, and complement the foods you eat. Fitness
Formulary’s MyHealth Assessment is a powerful engine
that takes all of your medications, health conditions,
allergies, and goals into consideration to provide you
with personalized product recommendations that are
right for you. Take the MyHealth Assessment to get a
full picture view of your vitamin and supplement needs.
WITH SO MANY BRANDS AND
INGREDIENTS, HOW DO I KNOW WHICH
PRODUCTS ARE TRUSTWORTHY?
The FDA regulates supplements, but they are not
considered medications and labels can sometimes
be confusing. A solid first step is to look for medical
research that backs the efficacy and safety of a product
and the brand. Efficacy means “The extent to which a
specific intervention, procedure, regimen, or service
produces a beneficial result under ideal conditions.”
Fitness Formulary uses an efficacy grading system
for every ingredient in every nutrition enhancement
product. The efficacy grading system allows you to
see the scientific evidence behind each ingredient so
that you can make an informed decision and trust the
supplements you choose.
Supplements 101
Basic information and terms you need to know when selecting vitamins and supplements
AMINO ACIDS
FAT SOLUBLE
The foundation of proteins, essential amino acids
cannot be made by the body, they must be obtained
from food. The common functions of Amino acids
are to break down food, help growth, and repair body
tissue. Names: Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine,
Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan,
and Valine (1)
The body stores excess fat-soluble vitamins in your
liver and body fat, then uses them as needed. An
excess of fat-soluble vitamins can be harmful to the
body. (4)
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are substances that protect the body from
cell damage. Names: Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene,
Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (2)
BOTANICALS
Obtained from plants and used in food supplements
and pharmaceuticals, botanicals are often used for
their therapeutic properties. Names: Herbal medicine
and Plant medicine (3)
DAILY VALUE
Daily value is expressed as a number on food and
drink nutrition labels that tells you the percentage of
the recommended dietary allowance provided by one
serving of the food or drink in question. (4)
MEGADOSE
Supplements that provide 100% of the daily value of
the body’s required vitamins and minerals are referred
to as megadose. (4)
MICRONUTRIENTS
Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals that your
body requires in small doses. (4) Names: Chromium,
Zinc, and Selenium
MINERALS
Nutrients found in earth or water and absorbed by
plants and animals for proper nutrition, minerals are
the main component of teeth and bones, and help
build cells and support nerve impulses, among other
things. (4) Names: Calcium, Magnesium
What are my next steps?
Selecting nutrition enhancements, supplements, and vitamins to improve your health doesn’t have to be
complicated or intimidating. Your doctor can provide you with guidance on supplements and you can rely
on the physicians and health experts that developed and govern Fitness Formulary’s efficacy engine. To
get started, take Fitness Formulary’s MyHealth Assessment and learn what products are safe and beneficial
for you. As a bonus, GlobalFit members receive a 10% discount on purchases through Fitness Formulary.
So you can be at ease that your supplements are safe, effective, and affordable.
Get started today and receive your 10% GlobalFit member discount:
fitnessformulary.com/globalfit
(1) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002222.htm
(2) http://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v%3Aproject=medlineplus&query=antioxidants
(3) http://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v%3Aproject=medlineplus&query=botanicals&x=0&y=0
(4) http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/vitamin-supplement-glossary
(5) http://www.centrum.com/expert-corner