Diet & Fitness

1. Answer: A. The American Medical Association recommends that every adult take daily vitamins for their health and wellness. Every adult should at least take a multivitamin. In certain circumstances, children could also benefit from taking vitamins, although the AMA says the primary focus should be on feeding kids healthy foods.

2. Answer: B. Vitamin D helps increase your body's absorption of phosphorous and calcium. These two nutrients are extremely important for building and preserving strong bones. Your body receives Vitamin D through fortified milk, cheese, fatty fish and exposure to sunlight.

3. Answer: Vitamin C. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, and it helps bolster your immune system. And Vitamin C the pop star is famous for the hit singles "Smile" and "The Itch."

4. Answer: A. Fish. According to the Food and Drug Administration, your heart may benefit from cutting saturated and trans fats from your diet and adding healthful omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA. Omega-3 fatty acids also support your brain, eyes and joints.

5. Answer: B. Calcium. While your best bet is to get calcium from milk and dairy products, it can be difficult to get enough calcium from your diet alone. Doctors often recommend taking calcium supplements, though there has been some disagreement in the medical community about how much calcium your body needs.

6. Answer: A. Vitamin A (also called Retinol). Vitamin A is important for good vision. It also bolsters your immune system, has an impact on reproduction and impacts numerous other bodily functions.

7. Answer: D. Folate supplements are generally recommended for all women of child-bearing age because they help prevent birth defects. Extra folate may be helpful for other people too though, because there is increasing evidence that it can lower your risk for heart disease and colon cancer. Folate deficiency may also lead to anemia.

8. Answer: A. Antioxidants. An antioxidant supplement is valuable for people who exercise frequently. Training increases the production of free radicals in the body, so if you're starting a fitness program, then you may want to take an antioxidant.

9. Answer: B. Probiotics. Recent research has uncovered the many benefits of these beneficial bacteria. They can help ease tummy troubles and other digestive problems, which can result from diet, stress, travel, certain medication and the environment. For dieters, probiotics supplements. encourage a healthy metabolism, especially when you begin eating new, healthful foods.

10. Answer: C. Green Tea. It is the naturally occurring caffeine in the tea that boosts energy and the EGCG that supports a healthy metabolism. Green tea also contains powerful antioxidants and polyphenols. Having plenty of energy is the key to staying motivated to exercise.

11. Answer: A. Fiber. If you're on a healthy diet plan but still feeling hungry, then a supplement that contains fiber may help you feel fuller longer.

12. Answer: C. 70 percent. Believe it or not, 70 percent of your body's immune system is located in your intestinal tract. That's why it's so important to balance your intestinal tract with probiotics supplements.

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If you liked this quiz, see:
-- 5 Health-Boosting Supplements
-- The Next Generation of Weight Management Supplements
-- Probiotics: Your Tummy’s Best Friend
Sources consulted:
Robert H. Fletcher, MD,MSc; Kathleen M. Fairfield, MD,DrPH. "Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults." Journal of the American Medical Association, (287) No. 23, June 19, 2002. 3127-3129. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/287/23/3127

United States. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets

University of Maryland Medical Center. "Omega-3 fatty acids." http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm

Meir J. Stampfer, M.D., Vitamins and Minerals: What you need to know, Boston, Harvard Health Publications. 2008.

United States. Usprobiotics.org. "What Are Probiotics?" http://www.usprobiotics.org/

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