A short time ago , when you wanted to take a multivitamin to supplement your diet, you only had one or two choices. Now there are so many more to choose from with even whole stores dedicated to selling these types of products. With all this selection, many are being confused as to which product is just right for them. It also means you're going to have to look harder to find what it is you are specifically looking for. Here are a some tips to help you find one that's for you.
F Specific ingredients you should look for are: Vitamin A (or beta carotene), folic acid (folate), Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin B (thiamin), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B12, phosphorus (you need very little), iron (more for women and older men), selenium, chromium, and zinc.
F Be wary of "specialized" vitamins. There are a whole slew of vitamins out there designed to help you with specific things like energy or even hair growth. You'll probably notice that these special vitamins are more expensive than plain old multivitamins. Before you buy, check the label. These special blends are often the same vitamin with a little bit of a few extra ingredients. You'll often get the same benefit from a multivitamin ; though you may benefit from some special varieties like for men, women, or seniors. Also, pregnant women should be taking prenatal vitamins and should always chek with their physician before taking any multi-vitamin.
F Don't take too much. Although some multi-vitamins suggest taking 2-3 a day (as an example), you may not need that at all. Start with the lowest dosage according to how well you incorporate fruits and vegetables in your diet. Then, according to how you feel, you may want to increase a dose. I personally take only one GOOD multi-vitamin a day which also incorporates a multi-mineral so I get a lot of nutrients which requires me to not take as much as the suggested dosage.I also take an antioxidant as well and eat a balanced diet. So, my vitamins that may last another individual 1 month, actually last me 2-3 months.
F Always make sure your vitamins are cold-pressed which means that all the nutrients are kept in the vitamin as they were intended to be. Some vitamins lose their effectiveness when they are not made this way. You would be surprised that some vitamin stores who claim to be "experts" don't even carry cold-pressed vitamins.
F Although food is an excellent source of vitamins, it is unfortunate that a lot of it has been destroyed by pesticides and processing so vitamins are still essential.
F Check to see if they have an ORAC value. ORAC is one way a vitamin can be "measured" for it's power or effectiveness. Not all vitamins will have this disclosed.
Be sure to check labels and compare. Many take vitamins and their money is being wasted because they are just being expelled from the body before they are absorbed. There is more information on ORAC under "ANTIOXIDANT MIRACLES" on the following website.
Desiree Penaranda here "all-natural health solutions, tips & info"
by Desiree Penaranda
