Supplements: How do I know right balance of vitamins & minerals?

@ritabtripp -
I am glad that you were able to improve your health through diet modifications. I hope you continue to have success.
An interesting paper from the World Health Organization....
Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases: report of a joint WHO/FAO expert consultation
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/924120916X

I began studying food many years ago as I was compassionate of the animals that we slaughter for our sustenance. That led me to all kinds of info on the foods we eat. And that brought me eventually to where I am today. I read all labels, I read and research about food in general and I fully believe the old expression 'you are what you eat'.
So with respect to vitamins and all nutrients the very best way to get them is by assimilation from foods.
Vitamins and other nutrients are the fuel for our bodies to function, move, repair, and remain healthy and active. Vitamins are either water soluble or fat soluble which means that they are best assimilated when taken with one of those two catalysts. This makes a 'multi' ineffective in many ways because only some of the ingredients will actually be processed.
Also, some vitamins, such as the B-complex is best taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Others are best taken with foods.
I am not an expert but I truly pay attention to my own body so learn as much as I can to live a long and healthy life. I encourage anyone to do the same. And it is paying off for me and will for you also. Nobody believes my age.

@dablues
I take vitamin D because two of the seizure meds I take cause the liver to metabolize it faster.
Also take B complex because the two medications also lower B12 and B9. I was also low in another B vitamin so doctor felt B complex would be best.
I take iron because I donate blood, plasma, and platelets frequently. I need to keep my hemoglobin up.
But I don't take supplements unless there is a medical need to do so. I have vitamin and mineral profile tests to show if I am low in something.
Why don’t you ask your doctor for a vitamin and mineral profile test?
And if you don’t like the answer your doctor gives you why don’t you pin him down more and ask him specific questions. Why don’t you pin him down more and ask him specific questions. How does he know you don’t need a supplement of some sort unless he does the proper studies. In my opinion, you should be sure you need some- thing before you take it. Just because you can buy something off of a store shelf doesn’t mean you shouldJust because you can buy something off of a store shelf doesn’t mean you should. I have vitamin and mineral studies done at least once a year.
Have you thought about changing doctors? Have you thought about changing doctors?
Take care,
Jake

Agree - I’ve done a lot of research as well. Our bodies absorb vitamins and nutrients best from foods. As we age up taking supplements is not as effective because we do not digest the supplements well enough to absorb any benefits. What food we eat together also impacts how well we absorb the nutrients. Super interesting!

Hello Jake,
In fact, I did change doctors and the one I have is wonderful. He is ready for any questions I have and has proved to be a great resource for things that I ask about such as fasting intermittently. I see him for acupuncture as well.
I do not take anything that I do not need to take and I do not take any prescription. I use diet as my medicine. It seems to be working as any tests come back with nothing off. I also really pay attention to my body which most people, especially the senior population does not do. They trust their doctors and do what they are told. I listen carefully to mine. Its amazing what you hear when you do. Like when your car is making noises I have learned that it will be advantageous to listen carefully.
Thank you for your comments and interest in my well being. I appreciate it.

Dear Jake, You are basically on the right track. The cardinal rule is: try supplements that promise to be useful one at a time, and listen to your body. If you take vitamin D and it appears to have no benefit, scratch it off your list and move on. Think broadly: Getting a reasonable amount of sunlight with minimal clothing is a good "supplement" when the weather is warm, but the winter Sun provides little benefit. If you live in a climate with harsh winters, good supplements include citrus fruit and their juices. And remember to exercise: Being sedentary is a killer. You can get help with that by walking a dog. I’ve not seen systematic studies, but I would bet that people who keep a dog live better and longer than those people who do not.

I agree that it's best to get our vitamins and minerals from a healthy balanced diet. However, sometimes we might have need for a supplement that we can't get enough of from our food. For example, years ago I experienced frequent excruciating leg cramps at night in bed. Since learning about and taking magnesium supplements daily, those horrible cramps are no longer part of my life. We should do our research regarding our own special needs, and make sure the information is from reliable sources and not just from people who are trying to sell us something.

stellar2023
I listen very carefully to my body too. I don't want to miss when it tells me it's time to eat one of the five major food groups, candy, cookies, cake, pies, pastry.
But when your diet tells you something isn't right and food doesn't cure whatever is wrong I hope you'll contact a doctor. But like us they’re only human and capable of mistakes so you don’t always have to listen and take their advice. A Neurologist suggested I take Topamax for seizures. No way will I take Dope-a-max as it's often referred to in Epilepsy circles.
If you care to share the information you learned on fasting and acupuncture I'd be very interested.
Take care,
Jake

Hello Deanna2
Best way to become knowledgeable is to read as much, do research on your computer, and pay attention to new news about testing and such.
Getting our nutrients from foods is always best but I have always been a label reader and that is where I learn what not to eat a more than anything.
You will need to know all the chemical names of food nutrients. And where there are more than one, such as B12, will need to know the difference.
The internet is a great learning tool for such things. Just be sure to pay attention and keep a notepad handy to list what you learn in some way that will be easy to find when you go looking. Alphabetical is always a good way for me. And you can cross reference if that works for you also.
I am certainly not fanatical but have been at this for most of my adult life. And I forget things, and research is always going on so I am constantly learning and for me personally that is fun!
lastly, I will say that I watch what people put into their bodies and can always see why they look and think and act the way they do. I found that Europeans are far more aware of these things but that is because they are not married to the financial aspect of eating foods. the bakeries in Germany are wonderful and the treats there are not just a mouth full of sugar. Plus they walk everywhere. Hope this info will incite a desire to research what you eat even more. Happy learning!

Jake,
I am in no way an expert. I just ask as I go and only after determining that the people I ask know what they are talking about.
I have been going to my present main care provider for almost a year now. He is very strict with the way he eats- always USDA Organic. I am not that strict but I do look for the USDA on most of what I buy. The farm where I buy lots of fresh fruits and veggies in not certified but I know they care about what they feed their children and the animals they sell as well and do not use such as Roundup on their gardens.