Multiple vitamins, or multivitamins, provide you with a full range of vitamins and minerals you may not receive from your diet. Multivitamins target specific genders and age groups. Men's multivitamins, women's multivitamins and multivitamins for people over 50 feature different minerals based on the nutritional needs of the customer.
Always consult your doctor regarding which types of vitamins may be appropriate for you.
Mineral-Fortified Multivitamins for Men
GNC Mega Men's multivitamin contains selenium, which is a mineral with a variety of functions. Selenium helps make antioxidant enzymes that help protect your cell tissue from damage caused by free radicals in your system. Free radicals enter your body from pollutants in your environment and they are also created by your body during the digestive process. Selenium stimulates antibodies after your receive a vaccination. Selenium may also improve fertility in men by stimulating sperm production. More research is needed to scientifically establish selenium as helpful for male impotence, however. GNC Mega Men's also carries the minerals zinc and copper in smaller amounts.
Mineral-Fortified Multivitamins for Women
The One-a-Day Women's multivitamin contains iron, a mineral women commonly lose during menstruation. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, which is the main component of red blood cells. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen throughout your body. Iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia, which is a lack of sufficient red blood cell count. Other causes for iron deficiency include pregnancy, poor diet and excess bleeding. If you are taking medications such as chloramphenicol, cimetidine or levodopa, consult with your doctor before taking a multivitamin that contains iron.
Mineral-Fortified Multivitamins for People Over 50
Kirkland Signature Mature Multi 50+ contains calcium, a mineral with several uses for people over 50. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones, which makes it an essential nutrient for people facing osteoporosis. Calcium is also necessary in the fluid between cells in order for proper muscle function. This multivitamin contains very little iron, which is essential for people in that age group, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Member Comments