If you're unsure if a multivitamin is right for you, the Mayo Clinic has some guidelines that can help you decide. In general, a healthy, well-balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be enough to supply you with the vitamins and minerals your body needs. However, certain populations can benefit from a multivitamin. If you are a pregnant, lactating or post-menopausal woman, your body needs extra nutrients that you may not be getting from your diet. A person on a special diet such as a calorie restricted or vegetarian one may also benefit from a multivitamin. Others, like those who have certain medical conditions that prevent their bodies from digesting foods effectively, should also consider taking a multivitamin.
Multivitamin Checklist
You may not know that the Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate vitamin manufacturers. The Mayo Clinic suggests looking for certain aspects that make some vitamins stand out from others. First, read the label and avoid large doses of certain vitamins. A good daily vitamin should include a wide range of vitamins, not an ample amount of only one vitamin. Next, you should look for the term "USP" on the label. USP stands for United States Pharmacopeia, a voluntary program that vitamin manufacturers use as a quality standard. The USP verification on a bottle of vitamins means that it contains the ingredients listed, the ingredients are of high quality, the vitamins do not contain toxins and the supplement is usable by the body. Finally, check expiration dates and stay up-to-date on any alerts on vitamins given out by the FDA.
Nature Made Multi Complete
The Nature Made company has put out a good, all-around multivitamin that addresses the vitamin and mineral needs of both men and women. This vitamin is USP verified, does not contain any preservatives or artificial ingredients. It contains a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, providing 100 percent of many of them.
Centrum
The Centrum company has been making multivitamins since 1978. According to Centrum, its vitamins are scientifically formulated to provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Its multivitamin is also available in chewable and liquid form, making it easy for anyone, in any condition, to obtain a daily dose. This multivitamin also provides a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, with no large doses of just one vitamin.
One a Day Maximum
One a Day Maximum multivitamin provides you with 100 percent of your daily needs of more than 15 different vitamins. This vitamin claims to contain antioxidants, essential to fighting disease and increasing the health of your immune system. This vitamin is good for the active individual that participates in regular physical activity.
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