Many Iowans don’t eat right, and the latest surveys show that adult obesity rates are among the worst in the country at 36%, while Iowa’s childhood obesity rate is around 15%.
John Troup, vice president of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, says daily supplements – things like vitamins, minerals, and fish oils – could help Iowans meet our nutritional needs.
“We have to keep looking for nutritious foods, especially fruits and vegetables. If we can’t get these, it’s important to consider adequate supplementation, ”says Troup. “They can help bridge the gaps and transition to healthier diets, and help us make sure we are meeting the nutritional requirements set by the USDA.”
Although we recommend eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, most of us don’t get even three. With so many types of supplements on the shelves, it’s important to pick the right ones, according to Troup.
“People should look for a brand they know and then buy it from a source they can trust or visit regularly,” says Troup. “Make sure you look for quality labels on the label and go online and research what they have on their own websites.”
During the final year of the pandemic, some Iovans were able to buckle up and focus on their personal health and wellbeing. For many of us, this means adding a dietary supplement to our daily health regimen.
“They support the underlying systems that keep us healthy,” he says, “and these underlying systems play an important role in fighting infection and making sure our metabolic processes are working as optimally as possible.”
According to surveys, nearly seven in ten Americans use supplements at least once a week. For more information on nutritional supplements, visit KnowYourOTCs.org.
