Ryan Ori, Contributor

Nutritional supplements and vitamins nourish the body and the economy.

One study, conducted by Information Resources Inc. and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that well in excess of US$2 billion was spent on supplements and vitamins in the United States in 2006.

Is that an indication that science is being put to use by the masses, or a sign of society's desire for instant solutions? Probably both, according to medical experts.

"Pills are easy," said Golda Ewalt, a registered dietitian at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. "We live in a society where we want a quick fix. We want it now. Give me a pill and make me better."

Physicians and dietitians recommend meeting all nutritional needs through diet. They temper those expectations with the reality that today's fast-paced world doesn't always make way for three square meals.

"If you ate a balanced diet, you would not need any supplemental vitamins," said Pat Cole, clinical nutrition manager at Proctor Hospital in Peoria. "That's going to be the official stand of a dietitian. However, realistically, the way Americans eat, we don't always choose the right things - fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy foods and those kinds of things."

Talk to your doctor

Grocery store aisles of pills can be overwhelming. Physicians and dietitians warn of rampant misinformation on the Internet. They recommend consulting with a professional before trying anything more than a multivitamin. Yet, even medical experts admit their opinions sometimes vary widely.

"That's a big controversy," said Dr. Jill Carnahan of Methodist Medical Group at Peartree in Peoria. "If we all ate perfectly, with whole foods, and the soil had plenty of nutrients, we shouldn't need supplemental vitamins. But in the standard American diet, we're very depleted in nutrient-rich foods. People are typically eating processed, boxed foods that have very, very little nutrients and high calories. They get full before they get the nutrients they need. The second thing is our soil has been over-farmed and depleted of nutrients."

No regulation

Because supplements are neither food nor drugs, they are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1984 prohibits supplements from claiming they treat, diagnose, prevent or cure a disease. Generalised claims are allowed.

Dr. Stephen Hippler, an internist at the OSF St. Francis Center for Health, recommends simple steps, such as the daily use of aspirin for those at risk of heart attack or stroke. But he views the claims of supplements with skepticism.

"I think people cling to the notion that because they're promoted as 'natural', they're safe and will work," Hippler said. "Yet, some of the most deadly and potent agents are also natural, like botulism toxins. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe."

Widely accepted

Some usage is widely accepted, such as calcium pills for those at risk of osteoporosis. Omega-3 fats, available from many fish and in pill form, are believed to aid heart patients. There are some indications chromium picolinate improves glucose control.

"It all depends on your sources," said Dr. Jeffrey Barra, who has a family practice at Proctor's Lake of the Woods Medical Center in Dunlap, Ill. "The American Diabetic Association I would consider a pretty good source, and they endorsed (chromium picolinate). Like anything, you've got to be sure you're monitoring your blood glucose while you're taking this stuff."

What about antioxidants?

Antioxidants are the new rage, available in drinks such as green tea or via extract sold in pill form. But dietitians stress other sources of antioxidants.

"You can get plenty of antioxidants through fruits and vegetables - specifically, colourful fruits and vegetables," said Ashley Simper, a St. Francis dietitian. "If green tea is something you like, more power to you. We're, of course, going to promote getting your vitamins and minerals and antioxidants through food."

Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.