The
Role of Vitamins & Mineral Supplements in Health
26 March 2004
Department of Health
recommendations:
“Supplementation with certain
vitamins
is recommended by the Department of Health for children from 6 months to
5 years If you think that their diet is not meeting your nutrient
requirements, a multivitamin and mineral supplement may be of benefit”
The number of people taking supplements in the UK is rising
and reflects the growing awareness about the important role that diet
plays in maintaining good health.
It is clear that many of us can benefit from supplements at
certain times in our lives, particularly when there is an increased
requirement for certain
nutrients
or when there is likely to be an inadequate dietary intake. Examples of
groups for whom they can be useful include young children and
adolescents; pregnant and breast-feeding women; house-bound or
institutionalised elderly people; vegans; smokers; heavy
drinkers; people who are chronically ill or recovering from a
recent illness and anybody on a restrictive diet.