What Is The Right Amount Of A Vitamin Or Supplement To Take?
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What is the right amount of Vitamin to Take?
What Is The Right Amount Of A Vitamin Or Supplement To Take?
The quick answer is there are many factors can determine the appropriate type and amount of a supplement or vitamin to take. Factors such as age, weight, diet, and other health issues play a role in determining the dosage that is right for you. There is also government labeling to help guide you in the right direction on appropriate amounts. Here are three guidelines that you can use for reference:
RDA – Recommended Daily Allowance
The Recommended Daily Allowance is the amount of vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy and well-nourished. These numbers are tailored to men, women, and specific age groups.
UL – Tolerable Upper Intake Level
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is the maximum amount of daily vitamins and minerals you can safely take daily without risk of side effects or overdose. High doses of supplements can have risks, however you can typically take a dose much higher than the RDA or DV without it being near the UL for most vitamins and minerals. Risky supplements include vitamins A, E, and K, and minerals iron and selenium. To stay on the safe side, it is advised to stay away of the UL for any nutrient.
Woman Taking her Vitamins
DV – Daily Value
The Daily Value is found on food labels and is the amount of a vitamin or nutrient that you should get for normal health in a 2000 calorie diet. Both the DV and RDA are designed to get the nutrients needed to prevent disease and avoid lack of nutrition. Supplements are designed to be an addition to your diet to fill in gaps that remain with a well-balanced diet.
Following these labeling guidelines will allow you to plan the safe and effective use of supplement/vitamins. Please refer to a medical professional if you are unsure of the amount of vitamins you should take. Your primary care physician is a great resource for you if you are not sure the quantity or the vitamin. For most people, these doses and types of supplements will change as you grow older.
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