What Supplements Do I Need to Take? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

What Supplements Do I Need to Take?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

Full Bio →

Written by

UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about your brand. Let us do the heavy lifting.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident fitness software decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. Our partners do not influence our content. Our opinions are our own.

Editorial Guidelines: The Editorial Team at Exercise.com is dedicated to providing fair, unbiased information about the fitness industry. We update our site regularly and all content is reviewed by credentialed fitness experts.

Get the Basics...
  • Depending on your individual needs, there are many different supplements you can take.
  • Supplements, by definition, supplement your diet and should never take the place of a healthy diet.
  • Because some foods are now grown in nutrient-depleted soil, supplements might be necessary for your diet to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you are looking to gain weight, lose fat, or correct a deficiency, taking the proper vitamin or nutritional supplement can go a long way towards reaching your goal.

Usually, you are able to obtain all the necessary vitamins and minerals that are required to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet that is both balanced and has a lot of variety.

Keep in mind that exercise is also an important factor in living a healthy lifestyle. If you are looking for an exercise routine, look no further. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.

What Vitamins and Minerals Are Right for Me?

You need to make sure your diet is providing the proper nutrients your body requires to function efficiently. Vitamins and minerals are found in many different types of foods.

Depending on the type of vitamin, your body can benefit in many different ways. For example, a supplement that contains iron can help you develop healthy red blood cells.

A supplement with calcium can develop strong and healthy teeth and bones.

Taking a supplement rich in vitamin C helps maintain your immune system to fight off infections and illnesses.

When Should I Take Supplements?

The most opportune time to take nutritional supplements is when directed by a doctor or other medical professional.

It is important to remember that taking supplements can possibly cause an overdose if you are receiving the vitamins and minerals that are in the supplement in other forms as well.

The New York State Department of Health recommends that certain individuals who are at risk of developing an illness, disease, or other medical problem take supplements that can combat the deficiency.

How Do I Know What Supplement to Take?

The best way to find out what supplement you should take is to talk to your physician or another trusted healthcare provider, such as a nutritionist.

It also depends on what goal you are trying to accomplish by taking supplements.

Get More Out of Your Health and Fitness Routine. Go PRO!

Sign Up

There is a correct way, and an incorrect way, to incorporate dietary and nutritional supplements into your diet and workout regimen.

As an example, women who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant should consider adding a supplement with folic acid. This can help prevent certain birth defects, as well as provide the fetus with proper nutrients and minerals during the most important stages of development.

According to the March of Dimes, taking folic acid supplements can also create a healthier overall pregnancy for both the mother and the infant

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should take a nutritional supplement with vitamin D. Also, young children and senior citizens can also benefit from vitamin D, as can African Americans and others with dark skin.

Individuals who spend a lot of time indoors or are not exposed to the sun for extended periods of time should consider taking a supplement with vitamin D.

Parents of young children should also consider giving them a supplement that contains vitamins A, C, and D. This is primarily because young children have the tendency to be picky eaters and may not receive the full amount of proper vitamins and minerals from their diet.

In addition, if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, your doctor might advise you to take a supplement with certain vitamins. For example, an anemic person might have to take a supplement with iron to help treat their condition.

What Are Some Other Reasons I Should Take Supplements?

It may seem that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need with your diet. However, many fruits and vegetables are grown in soil that is nutrient depleted. This can cause amounts of vitamins and minerals that are usually in fruits and vegetables to be present in lesser amounts.

Despite the availability of many different types of food, it is important to remember that there is usually a long stretch between when a fruit or veggie is picked and when it is actually eaten.

A fruit or vegetable that has been sitting for a long period of time has far fewer minerals than a fresh picked one. This why having a home garden can do more than just cut your grocery costs — it can also provide you with more nutritious meals.

Steaming or stir-frying your vegetables may be more beneficial. Foods that are overcooked tend to lose some of their nutritional value. Better yet, eat raw food whenever possible.

The bottom line is that it is best to speak to a physician before taking supplements as they can tell you what your body needs to add based on your medical history and lifestyle.

And don’t forget that what you eat and how you supplement your diet is only half of the equation! Stay active and Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!

Learn more about Exercise.com Fitness Business Management Software.

Schedule your demo today.