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Feb 18, 2007

How to Choose the Best Multivitamins for You


Nowadays, one can get a vitamin supplement for any ailment, any deficiency - eyes, heart, brain, allergies, skin disorder, vitality, cardiovascular problems, sex related, even weight management. You just have to name the problem – and the chemist will probably put you in a fix on which one to take.
But before buying one, it is crucial to read the labels on these supplements, because many daily vitamins may be lacking in the basic key nutrients essential for overall health.

The best way to choose a multi-vitamin is to look for:

· Quantity of nutrient being provided. Look for 100% of the Daily Recommended Allowance of minerals and vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, and D. Plus at least 20 micrograms of vitamin K, for strong bones.

· Quality of the vitamin being provided. Its best to go for one with no added colours, flavours, preservatives.

· Form – whether well packaged, free of moisture etc.

· Date of expiry.

A good multivitamin is not a magical pill to solve all your problems – but will give you a guarantee that one is getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals needed for maintaining good health.

Who are more likely to need multivitamin supplements?

Persons over the age of 60 as they do not get all the nutrients they need. This can be due to a variety of causes such as ageing itself may make the absorption and utilization of certain nutrients more difficult.

Pregnant women and lactating mothers – This group of people need about 400 IU of folic acid daily, which can be from a multivitamin. Folic acid found in supplements is better absorbed by the body than the vitamin found naturally in food.

Pre-menopausal women - need extra amount of iron, Vitamin B12 and calcium, so as to prevent problems like osteoporosis in old age.

Weight-watchers and persons who are heavy alcoholics

Any person who is short of a balanced diet - a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and small servings of chicken or fish is sort of a balanced diet. So, check out your daily diet. Are you falling short of folic acid, B6, and B12 as they help lowering homocysteine levels in the blood and thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Precautions while taking a multi vitamin

Some basic caution is required before taking multivitamins, especially if any medical conditions exist, such as pregnancy or if aged.

Multivitamins may rarely be toxic unless large doses of various vitamins or minerals are taken.

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HEALTHY LIVING MEANS MAKING POSITIVE CHOICES THAT ENHANCE YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH.