8/9/24-Sense about Supplements; Spotlight: Dietitian & author Dave Grotto; 4 Things You Don't Want to Miss

"Nutrition News You Can Use"

💊Need information about SUPPLEMENTS (vitamins/minerals/herbs etc.) that hasn't been created by the supplement manufacturers or shared by individuals (including dietitians) profiting from affiliate links?

Here are some resources:

FDA - Supplement Your Knowledge | FDA

NIH-Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) - Health Information (nih.gov)

❓from Build Up Dietitians Facebook page

Answers:

Jennifer C. “If the supplement(s) doesn’t cause harm and it’s just a waste of money…I tell them something along the lines of “I see you’re taking xyz. I know they’re commonly used because they are advertised to help with abc. Unfortunately, they do not. *and I provide proof or evidence if available*. Now, taking them is not known to cause harm but ultimately supplements are expensive. So, if you are okay with just producing expensive urine, then that is your choice. But if you’re open to stopping them, it’ll save money and we can go over some proven ways to help with abc”.

This works a lot of the time. I think because I’m just honest and not trying to flex my knowledge or make them feel bad…if it’s legit harmful I will tell them and say, “I cannot work with you if you’re taking that because it will cause xyz”.

Pauline F. “First, seek to understand why they are taking them. Second, explain the difference of what the body is able to absorb between foods vs supplements. Thirdly, when they are ready, gradually introduce foods that are packed full of the (unnecessary) supplement they are taking. I do one supplement at a time and always go at the patient/client pace. Many people are mentally addicted to supplements so it’s very individualized.”

Anne B. “I have some patients who take supplements an influencer advertised to take. When I explain why they don’t need them, they almost feel relieved! If they are adamant about taking these supplements and there’s no harm, then I leave it be…”

Heather F. “I go through their supplement list and find out why they are taking each one. I might suggest that this or that isn’t needed or could be harmful. If we haven’t developed good rapport, I might wait until a future visit to offer my thoughts/recommendations.”

Freya K. “…Unless it's harmful or interacting with another medication then I don't interfere. If they ask me specifically about supplements then I'll advise, otherwise we usually have bigger issues to deal with.”

Pam C. “I have better luck when I discuss the cost of unnecessary supplements and what else they could do with that money.”

💡Spotlight: Dietitian & Author Dave Grotto, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND

Dietitian Dave Grotto and the children’s book he authored

Find Dave Grotto on LinkedIn HERE

Find Dave’s Book in our Build Up Dietitians AMAZON store HERE

Question #1: What made you want to write this book?

“…The Girls who Lived in the Refrigerator” started off as a bedtime story that I told my kids nearly 20 years ago…my wife told me she was struggling to get my girls to eat their fruits and veggies and wanted me to tell the girls a story about how wonderful fruits and-vegetables were for them….So I looked around their room and noticed a fairy book on their nightstand and began telling them about magical food fairies who lived in their refrigerator. We noticed that our girls loved the characters and actually started talking about being brave and trying new things and saw an increase in their consumption of fruits and vegetables. 

…several years went by, my wife and daughters encouraged me to make this story my next book. I decided to expand the story to include Sam, a young boy who never wanted to try anything new. The fairies, along with encouragement from Sam’s dog Maisey, eventually persuade Sam to try a salad they had created and he becomes brave and tries it.”

Question #2: What do you think is the most important message the book conveys to kids (and parents)?

“Young children are inspired by characters and stories about bravery and adventure - rather than a focus on nutrition - and that’s exactly what “The Girls in the Refrigerator” is all about…My hope is that these characters for good will help drive under consumed food group consumption like fruits, vegetables and dairy.”

4️⃣Things You Don’t Want to Miss