Common Concerns
Lots of teens wonder if they should take vitamin or mineral supplements. If your diet includes a wide variety of foods, including whole-grain products, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, nuts, seeds, eggs, and meats, then you are probably getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
But if you're skipping meals, dieting, or if you're concerned that
you're not eating enough items from a particular category, such as
vegetables or dairy products, then talk to your doctor or to a
dietitian. These professionals can help you create an eating plan that
includes the nutrients your body needs.
Check with your doctor before taking vitamin or mineral supplements.
Some people think that if something is good for you, then the more you
take in, the healthier you'll be. But that's not necessarily true when
it comes to vitamins and minerals. For example, fat-soluble vitamins or
minerals, which the body stores and excretes more slowly, can build up
in your system to levels where they could cause problems.
There are hundreds of supplements on the market and of course their
manufacturers want you to purchase them. Beware of unproven claims about
the benefits of taking more than recommended amounts of any vitamin or
mineral. A healthy teen usually doesn't need supplements if he or she is
eating a well-rounded diet.
Your best bet for getting the vitamins and minerals you need is to
eat a wide variety of healthy foods and skip the vitamin pills, drinks,
and other supplements. You'll feel better overall and won't run the risk
of overdoing your vitamin and mineral intake.