In developing the Nutrient Rich®^ concept over the years, we have answered the supplementation
question by proposing the following tenets.
- Do you need to supplement and how much? We don’t know. Check your blood with a
test from a health practitioner—one who promotes a nutrient-rich healthy style of eating,
so that you know their motivations and their competence to assess and address what they
find. - Always focus on meeting your nutrient needs though food first, with a plant-based
nutrient-rich healthy eating style. - When you supplement, evaluate the supplements (particularly multivitamins) for
what they contain as well as for what they do not contain.
It is proven that various isolated nutrients, such as vitamins E and A, folic acid, iron, and
copper may promote rather than prevent cancer and other diseases^175 when taken in
isolated or synthetic forms. Be careful.- Sample situations when you would consider taking supplementation include:
If you do not get enough sun, and/or have low vitamin D blood serum levels If you have high blood cholesterol If you are an athlete If you have a crisis situation where the effects of supplements would be more
favorable than drugs If you are a child and have unique developmental needs If you are in age-related decline If you are transitioning your diet If you are “on the run” and need meal replacements from time to time If you are eating nutrient-poor and need to make up the difference with
supplementation; it’s not the best solution, but it will help- Live, raw, whole, organic superfood nutrition products aren’t necessarily supplements,
even though they can be used in that capacity. They are more like nutrient infusions, which
provide convenience when you are not yet ready for a full meal.
(^175) Joel Fuhrman M.D.