Vitamins and supplements
23 questions
Which vitamins should be taken?
•Most — only vitamin D.
•B12 is mandatory for vegans.
•The rest — from food.
•Take tests before taking.
•Multivitamins are usually not needed.
Can you overdose on vitamins?
•Yes, fat-soluble ones accumulate (A, D, E, K).
•A >10000 IU is toxic.
•D >4000 IU long-term is dangerous.
•Water-soluble are excreted, but megadoses are harmful.
•Follow dosages.
When is vitamin D needed?
•In case of deficiency (check 25-OH D).
•In winter in northern latitudes.
•With little sun exposure.
•1000-2000 IU is a usual dose.
•With fatty food for absorption.
Does vitamin C help with colds?
•Does not prevent colds.
•May slightly shorten duration.
•When taken regularly before illness.
•Megadoses are not more effective.
•Better from food: citrus, peppers.
What is omega-3 and why is it needed?
•Essential fatty acids.
•Sources: fatty fish, flaxseed oil.
•Beneficial for heart, brain.
•EPA and DHA — from fish.
•ALA — from plants, less well absorbed.
Do joint supplements work?
•Glucosamine, chondroitin — evidence is conflicting.
•Slight effect possible in osteoarthritis.
•Effect after 2-3 months.
•Safe for most.
•Not a miracle cure.
Is magnesium needed?
•Deficiency: cramps, fatigue.
•Sources: nuts, seeds, dark chocolate.
•Supplements for poor sleep, stress.
•Citrate, glycinate are better absorbed than oxide.
•200-400mg in the evening.
What is creatine?
•One of the most studied supplements.
•Increases strength and muscle mass.
•Safe when taken correctly.
•3-5g of monohydrate per day.
•Loading is not mandatory.
Does collagen help skin?
•Some studies show benefits.
•For skin, joints, nails.
•Hydrolyzed is better absorbed.
•Must be taken for months.
•Not a miracle cure.
Iron: when are supplements needed?
•In confirmed anemia.
•Risk groups: women, vegetarians.
•Deficiency symptoms: fatigue, pallor.
•With vitamin C for absorption.
•Excess is dangerous — do not take without tests.
What are adaptogens?
•Ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng.
•Claimed to help with stress.
•Some studies are positive.
•Not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
•Supplement quality is critical.
What are probiotics in supplements?
•Beneficial bacteria for the gut.
•Different strains — different effects.
•Billions of CFU are not necessarily better.
•May help with antibiotics.
•Fermented foods — an alternative.
Does melatonin help?
•Sleep hormone, not a sedative.
•Helps with jet lag, shift work.
•0.5-3mg 30-60 min before sleep.
•More does not mean better.
•Safe short-term.
Are dietary supplements necessary?
•Most are not needed with good nutrition.
•Creatine — works.
•Caffeine — works.
•Protein — convenience, not magic.
•BCAA — not needed if you get enough protein.
How to choose quality supplements?
•Certification: NSF, USP, Informed Sport.
•Minimal ingredients.
•Well-known brands.
•Avoid 'proprietary blends'.
•Research on Examine.com.
What are B vitamins?
•B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12.
•Involved in energy metabolism.
•Sufficient with a varied diet.
•B12 is critical for vegans.
•B-complex during strong stress.
Vitamin A: what is it for?
•For vision, skin, immunity.
•Sources: liver, carrots (beta-carotene).
•Overdose is dangerous.
•Do not take in large doses during pregnancy.
•Usually enough from food.
What is vitamin K?
•K1 from green vegetables.
•K2 from fermented foods.
•For blood clotting, bones.
•K2 helps calcium absorption.
•Important when taking D3.
Is fish oil beneficial?
•Source of omega-3 (EPA, DHA).
•Good for heart, brain.
•1-2g EPA+DHA per day.
•Quality is critical — IFOS certification.
•Alternative: algae oil for vegans.
What tests should be done before taking vitamins and supplements?
Start with a plate: half vegetables/fruits, a quarter protein, a quarter complex carbs + healthy fats. This is a simple base.
How to choose the form and dosage of vitamins and supplements?
Practice for 'Vitamins and Supplements': plan 2–3 basic meals per week and prepare batches. Easier to maintain a stress-free diet.
How to combine supplements and medications?
Answer for 'Vitamins and Supplements': focus on regularity and balance, not on 'perfect' products. Calorie and protein deficits/excesses matter most.
What are signs of deficiency in vitamins and supplements?
For 'Vitamins and Supplements', it’s useful to read labels: sugar, salt, fiber, protein. Compare products per 100 g.