Top 5 Reasons Physicians Recommend Supplements

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 by Leslie Ellis

A new study just released revealed the five top reasons why physicians recommend dietary supplements to their patients.  The Life Supplemented Healthcare Professionals (HCP) Impact Study found that a majority of physicians - 79% - recommend supplements to their patients for these health reasons:

  1. Bone Health 33%
  2. Overall health and wellness 32%
  3. Joint Health 29%
  4. Heart Health 26%
  5. Maintain healthy cholesterol 22%

The physicians were not asked to specify which supplements they would recommend for each condition; however, there are certain supplements that are widely recognized for each of these health areas.

1.  Bone Health - Calcium and Vitamin D are widely recognized and recommended for maintaining bone health and managing osteoporosis

2.  Overall health and wellness - This survey found that 72 percent of physicians think its a good ideas for patients to take a multivitamin. 

3.  Joint Health - Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have been shown in clinical trials to aid in joint discomfort and mobility often caused by osteoarthritis.

4.  Heart Health - Omega-3's, EPA and DHA, found in fatty fish such as salmon are often taken for many health reasons, including a healthy heart.  Other supplements include vitamin E and B vitamins. 

5.  Maintain healthy cholesterol - Soluble fiber is known for its cholesterol-lowering effects and plant sterols are becoming popular also.

Top supplements used by the 72 percent of physicians who say they use a dietary supplement:

  1. Multivitamin
  2. Vitamin C
  3. B vitamins
  4. Vitamin D
  5. Vitamin E
  6. Calcium

Read more about this study here


 

Comments for Top 5 Reasons Physicians Recommend Supplements

Thursday, September 18, 2008 by Leslie:
Thanks for the additional tips. It's important to look for a high quality multivitamin but it may be necessary to take an additional Vitamin D supplement to get enough. The current RDA of 400IU is not sufficient, especially if you live in a northern climate, are older or have darker skin. Experts are saying you need at least 1000IU of Vitamin D a day to support optimal health.
Thursday, September 18, 2008 by Vitamin supplements:
People over 60: for people over 60, a moderate daily multivitamin with vitamin B12 and vitamin D may be most beneficial. High levels of vitamin A can increase risk of hip fracture and should be avoided. High levels of iron can promote oxidative stress; supplements should contain less than 9 mg of iron.

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