Healthy living is something we all want to achieve. Good nutritious food which is well balanced is one of the important pillars of this lifestyle. When a balanced diet is not achievable, people turn to non GMO vitamins and supplements to actually make the diet better for their bodies. These are in form of vitamins and minerals, herbs and botanicals.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) result from a laboratory process that combines the DNA of several species to create a superior combination that does not occur in nature. People do not know what the effect of such modifications is but generally regard them as harmful. Hence, most people tend to purchase products that are labeled not genetically modified.

Vitamins are essential to the daily proper functioning of the body. There are several types of vitamins including A, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, Niacin, folic acid, B2, B1. There are various sources for these vitamins in a wide array of foods. Eating a well balanced diet is able to give all of these vitamins. However, there are certain circumstances when supplements are necessary.

When the food consumed is not enough with vitamins or nutrients it is inevitable to supplement. In addition, this is also true when there certain underlying medical conditions like poor nutrient absorption. This is also the case for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. They are also important for elderly or women with long heavy menstrual periods. It is important to remember that supplements are not preventive or curative for any disease, their role is primarily to provide lacking essential nutrients.

Non GMO supplements are extracted from natural foods or synthetically manufactured. For example, manufacturers may extract Vitamin E from beans or maize. Synthetic vitamins may not be as effective as those that are extracted. There are two terms used in describing the amount of a nutrient contained; RDA and DV.

Recommended Dietary Allowance is the recommended daily intake of a nutrient for a healthy person while Daily Value is a term used in labels for food and dietary supplements. RDAs are developed by the Food and Nutrition Board and vary by gender, age and physiology. DVs are not recommended intakes but suggest the amount of a nutrient a food provides in a total daily diet.

There are various side effects of supplements. For instance, when taken with certain medications or with an underlying medical condition. Consuming a wrong type or dosage could cause health complications. They can be purchased from the nearest outlet often without prescription. Contents are not checked by any governing body and the information provided on labels can only be verified by the manufacturer.

Vitamin supplements are not a substitute for a healthy balanced diet and should be taken only when absolutely necessary. If you are eating the RDA of a certain nutrient then you do not need to take them. A nutrient taken in surplus amounts is actually harmful to your health.

Remember to consult a doctor before taking supplements. They advise on the proper medication and dose and also diagnose if there is an absolute need for them. They are best taken after a meal usually during the day. Never take those that are water soluble on an empty stomach.