Multivitamins
There are many types of multivitamin supplement on the market and it can be hard to know which one best suits your needs. There are many "gimmicky" multivitamin supplements that claim to be designed to relieve stress, to be of high potency, or to be better for you because they are more "natural".
Points to Consider
- Special formulas geared towards women, older adults or the stressed-out are often nothing but marketing ploys. For women of child-bearing age the folic acid content is important. For older adults the important issues are vitamin A content that is no more than 100% of the Daily Value and no added iron. Claims for special "stress relieving" or "energizing" vitamins are largely unsubstantiated and are not worth the extra money.
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For a little more money, there are "high potency" multivitamin supplements on the market that supply high doses of many things you simply don't need. It may be better, and cheaper, to supplement a basic multivitamin with separate pills for the individual nutrients you want to take in larger doses. Remember to consult a physician before taking large doses of individual vitamins.
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"Natural" supplements are usually higher priced than synthetic versions, but they are chemically identical, with the exception of vitamin E. In fact, some vitamins labeled"natural" are actually synthetics with small amounts of plant extracts added. There is no need to pay extra just because the label says "natural."
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Cheap or generic brands of multivitamin supplements are just as effective as more expensive, advertised name brands. The vitamins are of the same chemical composition no matter the price.
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Many multivitamins are fortified with substances that have no recommended daily allowance and no proven health benefit. Examples are algae, bee pollen, etc. There is no need to pay extra for these substances.
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Most people do not need supplements. A simple one-a-day type multivitamin might, however, be a good idea for older adults, those on weight loss diets, vegans, and smokers.
Caution
- Keep multivitamin supplements that are designed for adults away from children as the doses are designed for adults and can result in toxicity.
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If you choose children's vitamins, beware of chewable tablets that contain vitamin C as they can erode tooth enamel. If these supplements are used, rinse the child's mouth out immediately after.
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Make sure that children know that vitamin supplements are not candy and keep the supplements out of children's reach.