Known for its suggested benefits for metabolism, brain health, and the cardiovascular system, nicotinamide riboside, or NR for short, is sometimes referred to as an “anti-aging” vitamin. But new research suggests it may contribute to an increased risk of cancer. (File: Getty)
With so many vitamins and other supplements available these days, it can be difficult to know which ones to take.
According to Dr. Neha Vyas, a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, you don’t really need anything.
“I tell my patients that if you eat a healthy diet and you’re a healthy adult, there’s no need to supplement with vitamins,” Dr. Vyas said. “That said, if you’re pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, it’s a good idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin.”
Dr. Vyas said people who have trouble getting the right nutrients from their diet may want to consider taking a multivitamin. However, it is best to consult your doctor first.
If you don’t get much sunlight, it’s a good idea to take vitamin D.
And if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, she’ll recommend calcium.
Dr. Vyas said there are a variety of tests available to determine what a person may be lacking, and they can be very helpful.
But ultimately, she said, nothing can replace a healthy diet.
“Good eating means incorporating lots of different colors into the food people eat,” she said. “If you want to follow a specific diet, the Mediterranean diet is a great place to start, as it includes healthy fats, healthy grains, and a rich variety of fruits and vegetables.”
Dr. Vyas said it’s important to tell your doctor about the vitamins you’re taking, especially if you’re taking other medications.
She said there could be drug interactions that you’re not aware of.
