Small Easy-to-swallow Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins are organic compounds made by plants or animals, and some are made in your body. Minerals are inorganic substances stemming from soil and water. You ingest minerals directly when you consume plant foods or indirectly when you eat animal foods, since animals eat plant foods. You may consider taking a vitamin or mineral supplement if your diet falls short in a particular nutrient; some types are smaller and easy to swallow since you need small amounts each day. If you think you need a dietary supplement, talk with your physician first as a precaution.

Iron

Minerals fit into two categories: macromineral or trace mineral. Because you need larger amounts of macrominerals, these types of minerals will probably not be easy to swallow, due to their larger size. Trace minerals are equally important, but you need them in smaller amounts. Iron, a type of trace mineral, helps deliver oxygen to cells, tissues, organs and muscles. Without adequate iron in your body, you risk developing anemia, a type of iron deficiency that makes you feel weak and constantly fatigued. Women require 18 mg of iron daily and men need only 8 mg, reports the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Vitamin B-12

You need vitamin B-12 to make new red blood cells, build and repair genetic material called DNA, and maintain normal neurological function. While this vitamin plays several roles in your body, you need tiny amounts each day. The Linus Pauling Institute suggests that you need a minimal 2.4 mcg of B-12 daily.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate found in fortified foods and dietary supplements and is a B vitamin you need to ingest each day. The most important role of folic acid is preventing neural tube defects in women of child-bearing age. These defects, occurring in the central nervous system, happen between the 21st and 27th day of pregnancy, usually before you are aware you are pregnant. Additionally, folic acid works alongside B-12 making new red blood cells and DNA. Folic acid supplements may be small and easy to swallow, since you need small amounts, only 400 mcg daily, says the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Zinc

Zinc is another trace mineral you need in minimal amounts each day. Without adequate amounts of zinc in your body, you are more susceptible to infections and illness. Women need 8 mg of zinc daily and men require 11 mg, the Linus Pauling Institute explains. Zinc supplements are small and often coated, making them easy to swallow.

Multivitamins

One-a-day multivitamins are the most common type of dietary supplement, according to research published in "The Journal of Nutrition" in 2006, with more than 91 percent of participants taking this type of vitamin. A variety of multivitamins are on the market, giving you choices for ease of consumption. Instead of large pills, you can purchase chewable or gummy multivitamins. Some multivitamins come in a liquid drop form you can put directly on your tongue.