Cooper Clinic Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Share Dietitian Recommended Supplements (4 min.)

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Ideally, everyone would consume a balanced, nutritious diet and obtain necessary nutrients primarily from the food on their plate. However, the current American health crisis proves that most are not achieving this.

Cooper Clinic registered dietitian nutritionists are among the most credentialed and well-informed food professionals in the country. Although they are well aware of which food choices promote good health, we found that vitamins and supplements still play a significant role in their nutrition routines.

We sat down with Elana Paddock, RDN, LD, CDCES, CHWC, and Cynthanne Duryea, RDN, LD, and asked them to talk about dietitian-recommended supplements.

Which vitamins and supplements do you take and why?

Elana: Although I eat a generally healthy diet, I take a daily multivitamin. Cooper Complete Basic One With Iron contains 50 mcg (2000 IU) of vitamin D3. I take an additional 25 mcg (1000 IU) of Cooper Complete Vitamin D3 to maintain an optimal vitamin D level for bone health† and calcium absorption†, as I have been advised that I have low bone density.

I also take 1,200 EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 to compensate for my variable fish intake†.

Cynthanne: Although I have a “food first” philosophy and am intentional with my food choices, I take the Basic One Iron Free multivitamin. I especially like it because it contains 50 mcg (2000 IU) of vitamin D3, so it also serves as my daily vitamin D supplement in one easy table†.

Which vitamins and supplements do you give your family?

Cynthanne: My husband takes the Basic One Iron Free multivitamin. Additionally, he takes a 100 mg CoQ10 supplement because he is on a statin and has been able to avoid side effects by taking CoQ10†. He takes Advanced Omega-3 as his fish intake is inconsistent†.

Which vitamins and supplements do you recommend for your patients and why?

Elana: My recommended supplements are tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Generally, our patients have a low baseline blood level of vitamin D. Since food is not a sufficient source of vitamin D, they require a supplement to correct this deficiency†. The supplemental amount can be 25 mcg (1000 IU), 50 mcg (2000 IU) or greater, depending on their vitamin D blood level.

During a patient’s nutrition consultation, we can generally assess the healthiness of their diet using a three-day Food Record or a 24-hour diet recall. For those who eat a well-balanced diet, a multivitamin may not be necessary. Most vitamins and minerals can be adequately obtained through food, and that is the message I try to stress as their dietitian. Food first! However, if there are obvious food/nutrient deficiencies (for example, if they don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables), I may recommend a multivitamin to compensate†.

If a patient has low bone density and/or if his or her diet lacks the necessary calcium-rich foods, I may recommend a calcium citrate supplement in the amount specific to their needs based on gender, age, and bone density reports†.

If a patient has high LDL cholesterol, I may recommend a daily soluble fiber supplement, such as Cooper Complete Microbiome Fiber, which can help reduce LDL levels†. Cooper Clinic Cardiologist Nina Radford, MD, recommends berberine supplements to lower LDL cholesterol.

Cynthanne: Several factors are considered regarding whether I recommend a nutritional supplement for a patient, as my guidance is individualized according to their unique circumstances. It is common to see vitamin D deficiency as determined by blood testing. Because there are few natural sources of vitamin D in foods, and since sun exposure (which can allow your body to make its own vitamin D) should be limited to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging, Cooper Complete Vitamin D3 supplements may be the most prevailing supplement I recommend†. Calcium intake is frequently below goal for many patients I see. Since women tend to be at higher risk for decreased bone density, calcium citrate is a frequent supplement recommendation for female patients†.

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Interviews facilitated by: Jill Turner the President of Cooper Complete® Nutritional Supplements.
About the experts: Elana Paddock, RDN,LD,CDCES, CHWC,specializes in consulting patients with diabetes. Cynthanne Duryea,RDN, LD specializes in preventive health, cardiovascular nutrition, weight management and women’s health.

 

Cooper Complete June 27, 2022