Do You Need a Multivitamin?

Despite our best efforts, most of us do not get sufficient fresh, organic, unprocessed foods in our diets. In addition, factors like medications, stress and lots of lifestyle habits such as drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes can reduce the body or necessary nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies can cause health problems and a need of vitality; for some, a multivitamin/mineral prescription can help fill in the gaps.

On the additional hand, a diet which includes entire grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables can offer optimum nutrition. Human bodies have evolved to obtain vitamins and minerals from food sources. Chemically synthesized vitamins and minerals are only absorbed in partial amounts, and what is not absorbed must be filtered out by the liver and kidneys, which puts extra demand on these organs.

So how should one decide a multivitamin/mineral formula? Unfortunately, just because a product is advertised on TV or in magazines doesn't mean that it is fine. Some formulas use dyes and preservatives; others coat their drug with soap, talc and even vinyl! When shopping, look for formulas that have extra than the RDA (the government-established Recommended Daily Allowance), which lots of experts feel is only enough to prevent severe deficiency diseases and not enough for best health. Also, brown glass bottles can help defend the vitamin from the negative effects of heat, light and oxygen.

Some forms of vitamins are much additional absorbable than others. "Food-grown" vitamins are easier to absorb and gentler on the stomach. Some people consider that you can put your vitamin tablet in vinegar to see how well it dissolves in your stomach. However, digestive juices which include hydrochloric acid and enzymes are much stronger than vinegar--so this test is not a good indicator of the absorbability or your vitamin.

Once you've found a vitamin brand name and method that you like, you still have additional choices available. Capsules are usually easier to swallow than tablets because of their smoother texture. There are also chewable multi's, multivitamin drink mixes and even lesser pills. But you typically need to take more of the lesser pills in order to get the same amount of nutrients contained in a better pill. Some people don't like taking additional than one pill a day, while others favor to have additional nutrients in their multi and are eager to take more. There are specialized formulas obtainable for women, men, pregnant women, children, seniors, etc. Some formulas include extras, like herbs, enzymes and antioxidants. Keep in brain that if you are trying to treat a exact health condition, you might do better to take individual nutrients, herbs or supplements in separate, additional concentrated forms (such as tinctures, capsules or tablets).

What concerning ingredients that you want to avoid? If you decide not to consume animal products, there are numerous formulas specifically for vegetarians. Iron is difficult for various people to digest and can make them nauseated, so lots of companies have formulated iron-free formulas. If you have a responsive stomach, you might fare better with a food-grown formula, an older formula or a formula with digestive enzymes.

When considering price, make sure to appear at the number or pills in the bottle and number of pills required to get the dosage amounts scheduled on the label. Also consider quality, absorbability and extra factors. Some labels can be misleading, so it pays to be a wise consumer. Remember, multivitamins cannot make up for bad diet; nothing can. But multivitamins can surely help you cover your bases.