Adding multivitamins to your healthy routine is one of the best things that you can do. But first, you have to take the right multivitamins, in the right way, if you want them to produce the intended result. Because multivitamin use has increased in popularity over the past couple of years, the demand for quality multivitamins has soared through the roof.
That means that when you do decide to start shopping, you’ll be exposed to a lot more variety than you probably anticipate. Now, it’s important to know that not all multivitamins are created equal. Some are more expensive compared to others; some brands come with added properties that you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere; while others come highly recommended by actual doctors and other medical bodies.
So before you settle for a particular brand, you will want to do your research so that you can make an informed decision as to which multivitamin is best for your needs. Knowing a thing or three about what to look for and what to avoid can save you dollars and disappointments. So before you invest in a multivitamin, here are 5 things that you should know:
Know which ingredients are contained in the multivitamin
Always for a multivitamin that contains 100% of the daily value of majority of its ingredients. Some nutrients contained in multivitamins such as calcium cannot be used 100% in a multivitamin because it would be too hard to swallow such a pill.
Other ingredients, such as magnesium and potassium, are kept at a minimum to reduce their chances of causing problems after interacting with other drugs. Certain ingredients like vitamins K, A, D, and E can accumulate thus becoming dangerous. So to ensure that you don’t have any negative interactions with your multivitamins, always take the step to understand the value of the ingredients used.
It’s generally advised that you pick multivitamins that contain a vitamin E complex, which means that you will not be taking just one type of vitamin. Vitamin E contains alpha, beta delta, and gamma but most over the counter brands only contain one type, which is an alpha-tocopherol. So buy a multivitamin with mixed tocopherols, which will contain the 4 alpha, beta delta, and gamma complex.
The best multivitamins in the market are those that contain nutrients that have been converted into their active forms. For example, vitamin B6 which is essential for hormonal balance and other critical bodily functions, can be taken as pyridoxine in its inactive form, or pyridoxine 5-phosphate or P-5-P when it is in its active state. Activated nutrients are generally easier for the body to handle. They are also much better absorbed compared to the inactive variety.
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Talk to your doctor first
If you eat healthy for the majority of the time, you might not even need to take multivitamins at all. This is because most of the ingredients contained in multivitamins can usually be acquired from healthy food. However, most people need more help than others.
So before you go ahead and start taking multivitamins ‘just because’, make sure that you talk to your doctor first. Talking to a doctor will go a long way in helping to ease any fears that you may have. A doctor is the most qualified person to ask any important questions that might affect your intake of multivitamins.
Doing so will also allow you to invest in the right brands as doctors do give their patients recommendations as to which brands work best. Plus, before you break the bank on a costly multivitamin or any other supplement for that matter, chatting with a physician will let you know whether you can actually benefit from them.
Different multivitamins for different people
because we are all different and our dietary needs differ greatly, every person’s nutrient needs will vary. That’s partly the reason why you will be exposed to so many varieties when you are first shopping around. Some vitamins are better suited for men, others for women, and others for children.
For instance, multivitamins that are more geared towards female buyers will contain more quantities of vitamin D and iron, which is needed for reproduction and balance. Men’s multivitamins, on the other hand, usually contain more vitamins E and C while children’s multivitamins will be more careful about the ingredients used.
The nutrients contained in the multivitamin will also vary based on age. For example, premenopausal women typically need more iron quantities while older adults require more vitamin D, calcium, as well as B6. Talk to your dietitian or family doctor to understand which specific nutrients you need.
Beware of harmful additives and fillers
Make sure that the brand you choose does not contain any added synthetic colors, fillers or harmful ingredients. If there are nay ingredients that you do not know or understand, stay away from those brands too. Some manufacturers use additives or fillers to extend a product’s shelf life or to make the pills appear more appealing.
It’s always best to invest in a high quality brand that’s been tested and proven to be healthy. It might cost more, but you can be sure that no harm will come to you when consumed.
Multivitamins made from whole food sources generally come very highly recommended.
And gummy vitamins?
Gummy vitamins are usually a top choice for anyone that has issues with swallowing supplements. However, gummy vitamins tend to contain higher amounts of sugar or sugar alcohol, which is what makes them so appealing to those who prefer a pleasing flavor or taste. Gummy manufacturers also avoid adding iron to gummies because they lend a metallic taste that’s quite unpleasant.
Researchers have also claimed that gummy vitamins are more likely to contain higher than the recommended amount of vitamins and nutrients. Manufacturers usually use higher quantities in gummy bears to account for the degradation and nutrient loss that happens during the manufacturing process. So if you want to get the best out of your multivitamins, it is best to go for whole food based varieties that are much safer and healthier for you.
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