Despite both an abundance of food and detailed nutritional labels, we as Americans are still unsure if we're getting the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals in our diets-so unsure that we spend around three billion dollars annually on supplements. But what is it exactly that vitamins and minerals do in the body? And are we already getting enough nutrients from what we eat or should we use supplements? This program offers a balanced overview of vitamins and minerals-what they are, why they are so important, and who really needs to take supplements. Experts discuss what happens when there is a deficiency of one of these nutrients, as well as the dangers of mega-dosing. Lively pop-up graphics support each topic by providing interesting, often surprising facts.
Despite both an abundance of food and detailed nutritional labels, we as Americans are still unsure if we're getting the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals in our diets-so unsure that we spend around three billion dollars annually on supplements. But what is it exactly that vitamins and minerals do in the body? And are we already getting enough nutrients from what we eat or should we use supplements? This program offers a balanced overview of vitamins and minerals-what they are, why they are so important, and who really needs to take supplements. Experts discuss what happens when there is a deficiency of one of these nutrients, as well as the dangers of mega-dosing. Lively pop-up graphics support each topic by providing interesting, often surprising facts.
General Note
Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on May 12, 2005.
Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.
Content Note
Eating Healthy at Every Age (2:51) -- What Are Vitamins and Minerals? (2:43) -- What is a Healthy Diet? (3:19) -- Weight Loss and Vitamins and Minerals (1:54) -- The Final Piece of the Puzzle: Exercise (1:21) -- What is a Deficiency? (1:52) -- People at Risk for Deficiency (0:44) -- Supplements (3:04) -- How Much is Too Much? (3:33) -- The Bottom Line (1:16).