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Dr. Randy Hines received his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, KY. He completed his family medicine residency at Atlanta Medical Center.
Dr. Hines is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Specialties
Family Medicine
Education & Training
University of Louisville School of Medicine
Degree
Doctor of Medicine
Residency
Atlanta Medical Center
Wellstar Family Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Family Medicine
Languages spoken
English
Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures
Anemia
COPD
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Immunization
Men's Health
Stop Smoking
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.8
Based on 540 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
Dr. Hines is and has been an excellent doctor and care provider for me for over 5 years. I trust him and recommend him to all who ask about care at Wellstar.
August 24, 2026
5
I love the care and concern Dr. Hines shows me. He listens and take time to ensure my questions are answered.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a wonderful physician, cares, and he shows attentiveness to my health and his concerns and my concerns.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very efficient doctor and caring. He cares about your well-being and I appreciate that. Thank you.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Is always professional, he listens and goes over all my concerns and reviews my blood work with clear diagnosis and recommendations for continued improvement and treatments or care.
August 20, 2026
5
Great visit and experience. Dr Randy Hines and his team are excellent, polite and caring. The nurse was very caring. Dr Hines takes the time to make sure you are engage in your health progress , discussing test results, asking questions making sure the patient concerns if any are addressed. Great Dr who cares about his patients.
August 20, 2026
5
Well executed
August 19, 2026
5
My visit was more that satisfactory. I was very pleased with the give and take conversation that felt like we now are developing a relationship. It is based on me taking the initiative to research my own health issues. My preparation helped my visit achieve a better outcome. Thank you Dr. Hines, smiles
August 17, 2026
5
Dr. Hines was very informative. He went above and beyond with my appointment. His staff was awesome too.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is now like a family member. He really understands my medical needs. He really sits and listens to me to see what's going on with my body on the inside. And I recommend Dr. Hines, a very good Morehouse grad, to any of my friends, frat brothers, and anybody. Dr. Hines is the man.
August 19, 2026
5
Excellent Services from the nurses the doctors and the laboratory. I would recommend it to all my friends and my family members. I enjoy my day and take care I received and the passion they showed me. I appreciate all the start and especially my primary doctor.
August 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a great physician. The staff there has always treated me extremely well. The nurse I had was really good too. You know, and the staff at the front is great to talk to. It's a comfortable place. And I just feel real lucky to have a doctor like him and to go to a place that's real close by where I live that does such a great job and takes care of the patients. Thank you.
August 14, 2026
5
I always enjoy my visits with Dr. Hines. He is always so prepared to answer questions as he keeps himself up to date concerning the latest developments in the medical field.
August 5, 2026
5
Great professional group. Excellent service!!
July 30, 2026
5
Very nice and professional office visit.
July 29, 2026
5
I had an appointment with Dr.Hines on Friday July 24th.My experience with him and his staff was very good.Dr.Hines thank you for your patience and caring throughout my visit.I was really happy with how you answered my questions and concerns.Thanks again for listening
July 29, 2026
5
The WellSTAR family always do a great job with customer service, excellent professionalism. Dr. Hines has always had five stars, always professional, attentive, questioned, love him.
July 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very thorough, kind, dedicated, and professional.
July 19, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is exceptional. I understand why it was difficult to get an appointment. He's a great listener which allows him to ask pertinent follow up questions. His over all demeanor and thoroughness allowed me to feel comfortable as a new patient in his care, ??
July 16, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff is a great group of people. I have no problems with them. Great doctor, great nurses. Thank you.
July 15, 2026
5
Everyone there were so friendly and helpfull. Doctors were very profesional. I really trust all people there. Thanks
July 14, 2026
5
Excellent, professional and courteous staff.
July 10, 2026
5
Great team! Thanks
July 9, 2026
5
Always great service from the entire staff.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Randy Hines and team were excellent, professional, and above all punctual. I was well taken care of and will continue to receive care with Wellstar.
July 4, 2026
5
I highly recommend this primary care practice.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff did an amazing job during my appointment. They were all very professional from start to finish.
July 3, 2026
2
Dr Hines was very impersonal, aloof, and had a condescending tone when speaking with me. He asked me to repeat the same thing multiple times & if I had had something touchy to speak about, I would NOT feel comfortable telling him. I will not be seeing him again.
June 28, 2026
5
I enjoy my doctor visits. I feel that they have my health in their interest and they want the best for me. Everyone on staff are professional and friendly truly love my health care providers. ??
June 26, 2026
5
Good experience; everyone was extremely professional. No complaints.
June 25, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is and has been an excellent doctor and care provider for me for over 5 years. I trust him and recommend him to all who ask about care at Wellstar.
August 24, 2026
5
I love the care and concern Dr. Hines shows me. He listens and take time to ensure my questions are answered.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a wonderful physician, cares, and he shows attentiveness to my health and his concerns and my concerns.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very efficient doctor and caring. He cares about your well-being and I appreciate that. Thank you.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Is always professional, he listens and goes over all my concerns and reviews my blood work with clear diagnosis and recommendations for continued improvement and treatments or care.
August 20, 2026
5
Great visit and experience. Dr Randy Hines and his team are excellent, polite and caring. The nurse was very caring. Dr Hines takes the time to make sure you are engage in your health progress , discussing test results, asking questions making sure the patient concerns if any are addressed. Great Dr who cares about his patients.
August 20, 2026
5
Well executed
August 19, 2026
5
My visit was more that satisfactory. I was very pleased with the give and take conversation that felt like we now are developing a relationship. It is based on me taking the initiative to research my own health issues. My preparation helped my visit achieve a better outcome. Thank you Dr. Hines, smiles
August 17, 2026
5
Dr. Hines was very informative. He went above and beyond with my appointment. His staff was awesome too.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is now like a family member. He really understands my medical needs. He really sits and listens to me to see what's going on with my body on the inside. And I recommend Dr. Hines, a very good Morehouse grad, to any of my friends, frat brothers, and anybody. Dr. Hines is the man.
August 19, 2026
5
Excellent Services from the nurses the doctors and the laboratory. I would recommend it to all my friends and my family members. I enjoy my day and take care I received and the passion they showed me. I appreciate all the start and especially my primary doctor.
August 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a great physician. The staff there has always treated me extremely well. The nurse I had was really good too. You know, and the staff at the front is great to talk to. It's a comfortable place. And I just feel real lucky to have a doctor like him and to go to a place that's real close by where I live that does such a great job and takes care of the patients. Thank you.
August 14, 2026
5
I always enjoy my visits with Dr. Hines. He is always so prepared to answer questions as he keeps himself up to date concerning the latest developments in the medical field.
August 5, 2026
5
Great professional group. Excellent service!!
July 30, 2026
5
Very nice and professional office visit.
July 29, 2026
5
I had an appointment with Dr.Hines on Friday July 24th.My experience with him and his staff was very good.Dr.Hines thank you for your patience and caring throughout my visit.I was really happy with how you answered my questions and concerns.Thanks again for listening
July 29, 2026
5
The WellSTAR family always do a great job with customer service, excellent professionalism. Dr. Hines has always had five stars, always professional, attentive, questioned, love him.
July 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very thorough, kind, dedicated, and professional.
July 19, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is exceptional. I understand why it was difficult to get an appointment. He's a great listener which allows him to ask pertinent follow up questions. His over all demeanor and thoroughness allowed me to feel comfortable as a new patient in his care, ??
July 16, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff is a great group of people. I have no problems with them. Great doctor, great nurses. Thank you.
July 15, 2026
5
Everyone there were so friendly and helpfull. Doctors were very profesional. I really trust all people there. Thanks
July 14, 2026
5
Excellent, professional and courteous staff.
July 10, 2026
5
Great team! Thanks
July 9, 2026
5
Always great service from the entire staff.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Randy Hines and team were excellent, professional, and above all punctual. I was well taken care of and will continue to receive care with Wellstar.
July 4, 2026
5
I highly recommend this primary care practice.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff did an amazing job during my appointment. They were all very professional from start to finish.
July 3, 2026
5
I enjoy my doctor visits. I feel that they have my health in their interest and they want the best for me. Everyone on staff are professional and friendly truly love my health care providers. ??
June 26, 2026
5
Good experience; everyone was extremely professional. No complaints.
June 25, 2026
2
Dr Hines was very impersonal, aloof, and had a condescending tone when speaking with me. He asked me to repeat the same thing multiple times & if I had had something touchy to speak about, I would NOT feel comfortable telling him. I will not be seeing him again.
June 28, 2026
2
Dr Hines was very impersonal, aloof, and had a condescending tone when speaking with me. He asked me to repeat the same thing multiple times & if I had had something touchy to speak about, I would NOT feel comfortable telling him. I will not be seeing him again.
June 28, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is and has been an excellent doctor and care provider for me for over 5 years. I trust him and recommend him to all who ask about care at Wellstar.
August 24, 2026
5
I love the care and concern Dr. Hines shows me. He listens and take time to ensure my questions are answered.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a wonderful physician, cares, and he shows attentiveness to my health and his concerns and my concerns.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very efficient doctor and caring. He cares about your well-being and I appreciate that. Thank you.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Is always professional, he listens and goes over all my concerns and reviews my blood work with clear diagnosis and recommendations for continued improvement and treatments or care.
August 20, 2026
5
Great visit and experience. Dr Randy Hines and his team are excellent, polite and caring. The nurse was very caring. Dr Hines takes the time to make sure you are engage in your health progress , discussing test results, asking questions making sure the patient concerns if any are addressed. Great Dr who cares about his patients.
August 20, 2026
5
Well executed
August 19, 2026
5
My visit was more that satisfactory. I was very pleased with the give and take conversation that felt like we now are developing a relationship. It is based on me taking the initiative to research my own health issues. My preparation helped my visit achieve a better outcome. Thank you Dr. Hines, smiles
August 17, 2026
5
Dr. Hines was very informative. He went above and beyond with my appointment. His staff was awesome too.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is now like a family member. He really understands my medical needs. He really sits and listens to me to see what's going on with my body on the inside. And I recommend Dr. Hines, a very good Morehouse grad, to any of my friends, frat brothers, and anybody. Dr. Hines is the man.
August 19, 2026
5
Excellent Services from the nurses the doctors and the laboratory. I would recommend it to all my friends and my family members. I enjoy my day and take care I received and the passion they showed me. I appreciate all the start and especially my primary doctor.
August 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a great physician. The staff there has always treated me extremely well. The nurse I had was really good too. You know, and the staff at the front is great to talk to. It's a comfortable place. And I just feel real lucky to have a doctor like him and to go to a place that's real close by where I live that does such a great job and takes care of the patients. Thank you.
August 14, 2026
5
I always enjoy my visits with Dr. Hines. He is always so prepared to answer questions as he keeps himself up to date concerning the latest developments in the medical field.
August 5, 2026
5
Great professional group. Excellent service!!
July 30, 2026
5
Very nice and professional office visit.
July 29, 2026
5
I had an appointment with Dr.Hines on Friday July 24th.My experience with him and his staff was very good.Dr.Hines thank you for your patience and caring throughout my visit.I was really happy with how you answered my questions and concerns.Thanks again for listening
July 29, 2026
5
The WellSTAR family always do a great job with customer service, excellent professionalism. Dr. Hines has always had five stars, always professional, attentive, questioned, love him.
July 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very thorough, kind, dedicated, and professional.
July 19, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is exceptional. I understand why it was difficult to get an appointment. He's a great listener which allows him to ask pertinent follow up questions. His over all demeanor and thoroughness allowed me to feel comfortable as a new patient in his care, ??
July 16, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff is a great group of people. I have no problems with them. Great doctor, great nurses. Thank you.
July 15, 2026
5
Everyone there were so friendly and helpfull. Doctors were very profesional. I really trust all people there. Thanks
July 14, 2026
5
Excellent, professional and courteous staff.
July 10, 2026
5
Great team! Thanks
July 9, 2026
5
Always great service from the entire staff.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Randy Hines and team were excellent, professional, and above all punctual. I was well taken care of and will continue to receive care with Wellstar.
July 4, 2026
5
I highly recommend this primary care practice.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff did an amazing job during my appointment. They were all very professional from start to finish.
July 3, 2026
5
I enjoy my doctor visits. I feel that they have my health in their interest and they want the best for me. Everyone on staff are professional and friendly truly love my health care providers. ??
June 26, 2026
5
Good experience; everyone was extremely professional. No complaints.
June 25, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is and has been an excellent doctor and care provider for me for over 5 years. I trust him and recommend him to all who ask about care at Wellstar.
August 24, 2026
5
I love the care and concern Dr. Hines shows me. He listens and take time to ensure my questions are answered.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a wonderful physician, cares, and he shows attentiveness to my health and his concerns and my concerns.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very efficient doctor and caring. He cares about your well-being and I appreciate that. Thank you.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines was very informative. He went above and beyond with my appointment. His staff was awesome too.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Is always professional, he listens and goes over all my concerns and reviews my blood work with clear diagnosis and recommendations for continued improvement and treatments or care.
August 20, 2026
5
Great visit and experience. Dr Randy Hines and his team are excellent, polite and caring. The nurse was very caring. Dr Hines takes the time to make sure you are engage in your health progress , discussing test results, asking questions making sure the patient concerns if any are addressed. Great Dr who cares about his patients.
August 20, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is now like a family member. He really understands my medical needs. He really sits and listens to me to see what's going on with my body on the inside. And I recommend Dr. Hines, a very good Morehouse grad, to any of my friends, frat brothers, and anybody. Dr. Hines is the man.
August 19, 2026
5
Well executed
August 19, 2026
5
My visit was more that satisfactory. I was very pleased with the give and take conversation that felt like we now are developing a relationship. It is based on me taking the initiative to research my own health issues. My preparation helped my visit achieve a better outcome. Thank you Dr. Hines, smiles
August 17, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a great physician. The staff there has always treated me extremely well. The nurse I had was really good too. You know, and the staff at the front is great to talk to. It's a comfortable place. And I just feel real lucky to have a doctor like him and to go to a place that's real close by where I live that does such a great job and takes care of the patients. Thank you.
August 14, 2026
5
Excellent Services from the nurses the doctors and the laboratory. I would recommend it to all my friends and my family members. I enjoy my day and take care I received and the passion they showed me. I appreciate all the start and especially my primary doctor.
August 14, 2026
5
I always enjoy my visits with Dr. Hines. He is always so prepared to answer questions as he keeps himself up to date concerning the latest developments in the medical field.
August 5, 2026
5
Great professional group. Excellent service!!
July 30, 2026
5
I had an appointment with Dr.Hines on Friday July 24th.My experience with him and his staff was very good.Dr.Hines thank you for your patience and caring throughout my visit.I was really happy with how you answered my questions and concerns.Thanks again for listening
July 29, 2026
5
Very nice and professional office visit.
July 29, 2026
5
The WellSTAR family always do a great job with customer service, excellent professionalism. Dr. Hines has always had five stars, always professional, attentive, questioned, love him.
July 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very thorough, kind, dedicated, and professional.
July 19, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is exceptional. I understand why it was difficult to get an appointment. He's a great listener which allows him to ask pertinent follow up questions. His over all demeanor and thoroughness allowed me to feel comfortable as a new patient in his care, ??
July 16, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff is a great group of people. I have no problems with them. Great doctor, great nurses. Thank you.
July 15, 2026
5
Everyone there were so friendly and helpfull. Doctors were very profesional. I really trust all people there. Thanks
July 14, 2026
5
Excellent, professional and courteous staff.
July 10, 2026
5
Great team! Thanks
July 9, 2026
5
Always great service from the entire staff.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Randy Hines and team were excellent, professional, and above all punctual. I was well taken care of and will continue to receive care with Wellstar.
July 4, 2026
5
I highly recommend this primary care practice.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff did an amazing job during my appointment. They were all very professional from start to finish.
July 3, 2026
2
Dr Hines was very impersonal, aloof, and had a condescending tone when speaking with me. He asked me to repeat the same thing multiple times & if I had had something touchy to speak about, I would NOT feel comfortable telling him. I will not be seeing him again.
June 28, 2026
5
I enjoy my doctor visits. I feel that they have my health in their interest and they want the best for me. Everyone on staff are professional and friendly truly love my health care providers. ??
June 26, 2026
5
Good experience; everyone was extremely professional. No complaints.
June 25, 2026
5
Good experience; everyone was extremely professional. No complaints.
June 25, 2026
5
I enjoy my doctor visits. I feel that they have my health in their interest and they want the best for me. Everyone on staff are professional and friendly truly love my health care providers. ??
June 26, 2026
2
Dr Hines was very impersonal, aloof, and had a condescending tone when speaking with me. He asked me to repeat the same thing multiple times & if I had had something touchy to speak about, I would NOT feel comfortable telling him. I will not be seeing him again.
June 28, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff did an amazing job during my appointment. They were all very professional from start to finish.
July 3, 2026
5
I highly recommend this primary care practice.
July 4, 2026
5
Dr. Randy Hines and team were excellent, professional, and above all punctual. I was well taken care of and will continue to receive care with Wellstar.
July 4, 2026
5
Always great service from the entire staff.
July 4, 2026
5
Great team! Thanks
July 9, 2026
5
Excellent, professional and courteous staff.
July 10, 2026
5
Everyone there were so friendly and helpfull. Doctors were very profesional. I really trust all people there. Thanks
July 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines and his staff is a great group of people. I have no problems with them. Great doctor, great nurses. Thank you.
July 15, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is exceptional. I understand why it was difficult to get an appointment. He's a great listener which allows him to ask pertinent follow up questions. His over all demeanor and thoroughness allowed me to feel comfortable as a new patient in his care, ??
July 16, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is very thorough, kind, dedicated, and professional.
July 19, 2026
5
The WellSTAR family always do a great job with customer service, excellent professionalism. Dr. Hines has always had five stars, always professional, attentive, questioned, love him.
July 22, 2026
5
Very nice and professional office visit.
July 29, 2026
5
I had an appointment with Dr.Hines on Friday July 24th.My experience with him and his staff was very good.Dr.Hines thank you for your patience and caring throughout my visit.I was really happy with how you answered my questions and concerns.Thanks again for listening
July 29, 2026
5
Great professional group. Excellent service!!
July 30, 2026
5
I always enjoy my visits with Dr. Hines. He is always so prepared to answer questions as he keeps himself up to date concerning the latest developments in the medical field.
August 5, 2026
5
Excellent Services from the nurses the doctors and the laboratory. I would recommend it to all my friends and my family members. I enjoy my day and take care I received and the passion they showed me. I appreciate all the start and especially my primary doctor.
August 14, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a great physician. The staff there has always treated me extremely well. The nurse I had was really good too. You know, and the staff at the front is great to talk to. It's a comfortable place. And I just feel real lucky to have a doctor like him and to go to a place that's real close by where I live that does such a great job and takes care of the patients. Thank you.
August 14, 2026
5
My visit was more that satisfactory. I was very pleased with the give and take conversation that felt like we now are developing a relationship. It is based on me taking the initiative to research my own health issues. My preparation helped my visit achieve a better outcome. Thank you Dr. Hines, smiles
August 17, 2026
5
Well executed
August 19, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is now like a family member. He really understands my medical needs. He really sits and listens to me to see what's going on with my body on the inside. And I recommend Dr. Hines, a very good Morehouse grad, to any of my friends, frat brothers, and anybody. Dr. Hines is the man.
August 19, 2026
5
Great visit and experience. Dr Randy Hines and his team are excellent, polite and caring. The nurse was very caring. Dr Hines takes the time to make sure you are engage in your health progress , discussing test results, asking questions making sure the patient concerns if any are addressed. Great Dr who cares about his patients.
August 20, 2026
5
Dr. Is always professional, he listens and goes over all my concerns and reviews my blood work with clear diagnosis and recommendations for continued improvement and treatments or care.
August 20, 2026
5
Dr. Hines was very informative. He went above and beyond with my appointment. His staff was awesome too.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a very efficient doctor and caring. He cares about your well-being and I appreciate that. Thank you.
August 22, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is a wonderful physician, cares, and he shows attentiveness to my health and his concerns and my concerns.
August 22, 2026
5
I love the care and concern Dr. Hines shows me. He listens and take time to ensure my questions are answered.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr. Hines is and has been an excellent doctor and care provider for me for over 5 years. I trust him and recommend him to all who ask about care at Wellstar.
August 24, 2026
Publications and Articles
CJCare
Former former major league baseball player CJ Stewart didn’t want to have a colonoscopy. He dreaded the liquid diet. The needles. The IV sedation. The possibility of cancer.
So how did CJ face his fears—and what happened next?
On track for a heart attack
It started in 2020 when CJ scouted a new primary care provider. He chose Dr. Randy Hines II, Wellstar Primary Care. He said Dr. Hines was the most straightforward doctor he had ever visited.
“I was overweight,” CJ remembered. “My health changed positively because Dr. Hines said things to me in a very positive way. He was direct with me and that helped save my life.”
Dr. Hines learned CJ’s father was a diabetic and had quadruple bypass heart surgery to treat a heart attack. CJ remembered him saying, “‘You’re on track to have the same thing but you can control it.’”
CJ admitted that he had a daily dose of French fries and two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before bed. Dr. Hines challenged him to rethink his relationship with food if he wanted to see his daughters walk down the aisle one day. It was tough talk and it meant something.
“I really love my daughters!” CJ said. “It made me change.”
As a result, he modified his diet, took up running and lost 45 pounds.
Preventing colorectal cancer
Then CJ’s mom revealed a family history of colon cancer.
“My wife and daughters were like, ‘We really need you to go get checked to make sure you’re good,’” he said.
Because of his fears related to the colonoscopy, CJ wanted to have Cologuard, an at-home screening test for colon cancer. But Dr. Hines recommended the 47-year-old have a preventive colonoscopy screening instead, explaining that if pre-cancerous polyps are detected during the procedure, they can be removed before becoming cancerous.
“I didn’t want to hear it,” CJ laughed. “But hearing that from a fellow African American man, I trusted that it was the right thing to do.”
Can Vitamins and Supplements Support Me in My Wellness Goals?
Many patients take dietary supplements to fill the gaps in their diet or be proactive against disease. But with all the different brands and products available, it can be difficult to decide which vitamin or supplement could be beneficial—and what could even be harmful or detrimental to your health goals.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey, 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over reported using any dietary supplement in the past 30 days, and dietary supplement use is more common among older adults, with 74.3% of adults 60 and older reporting supplement use.
Since 1994, dietary supplements have not needed the authorization of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be manufactured and sold, due to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. This act left manufacturers to their own devices to evaluate the safety of their products, as well as the labeling on those products.
One of the problems in assessing multivitamins is the vast selection of options available. One brand of multivitamin may contain different amounts and different vitamins compared to another brand. Therefore, it is hard to accurately evaluate the benefits of taking multivitamins and their possible effect on conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer since these vitamins are often made differently.
If you’re concerned about getting the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy, your Wellstar primary care provider can work with you on a tailored nutritional plan and can refer you to a dietitian if needed.
“The majority of the vitamins that individuals are attempting to supplement when they take vitamins are already available in their diet,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Randy Hines.
Vitamins and minerals are better used and absorbed by the body when eaten rather than consumed in a pill, according to Dr. Hines.
The various B vitamins are available in lean meats, grains, fish and nuts. The antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) are plentiful in dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Those who truly need to take supplements may have dietary restrictions, chronic conditions such as alcoholism or live in food-deficient areas where vitamins aren’t readily available. Those who don’t fit into those categories can supplement vitamins and minerals through changing their dietary habits.
It’s also important to make sure that there will not be any interactions between supplements and medications that could lead to health concerns or change the medicine’s effectiveness.