The FDA does not regulate vitamins and considers them nutritional supplements. This means there are no standard rules as to what strength and combination of nutrients are included in a specific vitamin. Unless you've already tried a brand before, avoid shopping online and instead head to a local vitamin shop or pharmacy where you can read the labels and are able to confirm what you're getting before you buy it.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor first if you're experiencing any symptoms that might be linked to a vitamin deficiency. This could be anything that you can't link to a specific disease or medication you're taking. For example, if you're suddenly experiencing low blood pressure, muscle weakness and mood changes, you might have a B12 deficiency. Your doctor might be able to recommend a specific vitamin you need.
Step 2
Read the labels. A multivitamin should contain 100 percent of the recommended Daily Value (DV). Simply look for "100%" next to most, if not all, vitamins. Avoid multi-vitamins that offer too little of one nutrient and too much of other. The Diet Channel recommends shopping for a multivitamin that also contains magnesium and iron.
Step 3
Buy vitamins separately if you have a specific deficiency. For example, if you have anemia, you might need to take vitamin B12. In that case, the amount contained in a multivitamin might be too low. Ask your doctor how much you should be taking and then buy B12 alone.
Step 4
Pick the formulation that's most convenient for you. According to HealthGuidance, vitamins are available in liquid, tablet or capsule form. Liquid is not as common and doesn't taste as good, but it's a good choice if you have trouble swallowing pills. Capsules dissolve more easily in your stomach. Tablets are the most common type of vitamin supplement and offer the most options in terms of brands and strengths.
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