Multivitamin Supplements
You try your best to eat well, but are you really getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need? Your cells need vitamins and minerals to work properly. However, your body cannot make vitamins and minerals in which case you need to get them from a healthy diet. Following a proper diet can be a problem for some people. A multivitamin can help you to make sure that you are meeting all of your needs related to vitamins and minerals. There are also groups of people who have special needs when it comes to vitamin and minerals. Do you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet? Are you feeling sick or have a long-term health issue? Do you follow a low calorie diet? Are you over 50? If so, you're more likely to need the extra help that a multivitamin supplement offers. If you're pregnant, you may need more vitamins and minerals, such as folate and iron, which help lower the risk of health issues in your baby as well as yourself. There are all different kinds of vitamins that meet the needs of men and women of all ages, including children. The key is to pick the best one to meet all of your needs related to your age, sex, health status and stage of life.
Choosing a Multivitamin
Growing children have different needs for vitamins and minerals than adults have. Fortunately, there are all kinds of multivitamins that are made especially for kids. Children may enjoy taking them because they come in fun gummy flavors that are easy to chew and are made with natural flavors. You may also choose ones that are sugar-free with no artificial color or preservatives. Moms-to-be can get the nutritional support they need with a preservative-free prenatal vitamin. Some doctors recommend that pregnant women take a vitamin with added iron and folate. A prenatal vitamin can supply this. Also, men can benefit from a vitamin made just for them. There are multivitamin supplements for men and women who are over 50 and for women who are going through menopause. Multivitamins aren't "one size fits all." It's important to choose the one that is best for you. Before taking a multivitamin, talk to your doctor who knows your history and get his or her advice. Make sure to tell him/her about any medicines that you may be taking to avoid any interactions or side effects.
This summary is intended for general informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of purity, strength, or safety of the products. As a result, effects may vary. You should read product labels. In addition, if you are taking medications, herbs, or other supplements you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking a supplement as supplements may interact with other medications, herbs, and nutritional products. If you have a medical condition, including if you are pregnant or nursing, you should speak to a qualified healthcare provider before taking a supplement. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.